COOKING GUIDE

Experience cooks, with years and years of practice may not need to measure ingredients, and may even be slightly amused if you talk to them about knowing the proper measuring techniques. However, for beginners and the weekend-chefs, who are trying on a new recipe for the first time, it is best to follow instructions carefully. Also, measuring ingredients precisely will ensure consistent results. When preparing a recipe, use all imperial or all metric measures.

Use a glass or clear plastic measuring jug. Place it on a flat surface and pour in the liquid. Bend down and check that the liquid is level with the marking on the jug, as specified in the recipe.

Pour the liquid into the measuring spoon, to the brim, and then pour it into the mixing bowl. Do not hold the spoon over the bowl when measuring because liquid may overflow.

Fill the spoon by scooping up the ingredient. Level the surface even with the rim of the spoon, using the straight edge of a knife.

When you measure dry ingredients by weight:

Scoop or pour on to the scales, watching the dial or reading carefully. Balance scales give more accurate readings than spring scales.

When you measure brown sugar in a cup or spoon:

If the recipe specifies firmly packed brown sugar, scoop the sugar and press it firmly into the cup or spoon. Level the surface with a smaller spoon and level the sugar to the brim with the straight edge of a knife.

When measuring butter:

Cut butter with a sharp knife and weigh, or cut off the specified amount following the markings on the wrapping paper.