How to Measure Ingredients

Here’s some invaluable information about measuring so you’ll get consistent results every time you cook or bake.

BUTTER The wrapper that butter comes in is premarked for tablespoons, ¼ cup, ¹/³ cup, and ½ cup, so there is no need to measure it.

DRY INGREDIENTS Use standard dry measuring cups that come in nesting sets of ¼, ¹/³, ½, and 1 cup. To measure flour, first stir it to aerate, then lightly spoon it into the desired size cup to over flowing. Level it off with the straight edge of a knife.

LIQUIDS Place a glass measuring cup with a spout on the counter and add the desired amount of liquid. Bend down to check the amount at eye level.

SOLID FATS AND BROWN SUGAR Use standard dry measuring cups. Firmly pack the ingredient into the cup, then level it off with the straight edge of a knife.

SPICES, HERBS, CITRUS ZEST, AND EXTRACTS Use standard measuring spoons that come in nesting sets of ¼, ½, and 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon. Fill the desired spoon with the ingredient, then level it off with the straight edge of a knife, if needed.

YOGURT AND SOUR CREAM Use standard dry measuring cups. Spoon the ingredient into a cup, and level it off with a rubber spatula.

This tip was published in 'Weight Watchers - New Complete Cookbook (Over 500 Delicious Recipes For The Health Cook's Kitchen) - p10'