Why it Matters: Measuring Precisely in Baking
When cooking your favorite dish, you may add a few extra ingredients, leave something out, or change the measurements a bit without a problem, but when baking, ingredients need to be measured accurately. If you enjoy cooking and want to dabble in baking, you should know that baking is more precise and important to the recipe's outcome than you might expect.
When baking, you will want to measure dry ingredients such as sugar and flour in nested measuring cups that come in different sizes. The dry ingredients can be scooped or spooned into the cups, but scooping can compact the ingredients, so spooning is preferred. The dry ingredients can then be leveled with a straight edge, like the back end of a knife, across the top of the measuring cup for precise amounts. For an accurate brown sugar measurement, soften with anything that has moisture, such as a wet paper towel, in a Lock & Lock container.
When possible, use a scale to measure by weight for a more accurate, less messy measurement. Place a baking bowl on a Starfrit Electrionic Scale and press "zero." Then add ingredients until the appropriate weight is reached. Repeat the process until all the ingredients are added in the one bowl.
Liquid ingredients should be measured in a clear glass or plastic measuring cup with a spout. Bend down when pouring the ingredients in so you are at eye level with the markings on the glass. You will have extra room at the top of the glass so the liquid doesn't spill out.
Measuring semi-solid foods like shortening, peanut butter and sour cream can be tricky. These ingredients should be packed into measuring cups with a spoon or spatula to remove air bubbles. If you can get your hands on a plunger-type measuring cup, it will be easier to measure these foods along with honey, syrup and molasses.
You will also need a set of measuring spoons to measure small amounts of liquids and dry ingredients. Using an actual teaspoon or tablespoon will not give you the precise amount, so these are essential kitchen utensils to have on hand. By learning to measure ingredients accurately, you will learn the skills necessary to become a successful baker.
To keep your dry food fresh, store them in our Lock&Lock pantry collection containers!
When possible, use a scale to measure by weight for a more accurate, less messy measurement. Place a baking bowl on a Starfrit Electrionic Scale and press "zero." Then add ingredients until the appropriate weight is reached. Repeat the process until all the ingredients are added in the one bowl.
Liquid ingredients should be measured in a clear glass or plastic measuring cup with a spout. Bend down when pouring the ingredients in so you are at eye level with the markings on the glass. You will have extra room at the top of the glass so the liquid doesn't spill out.
Measuring semi-solid foods like shortening, peanut butter and sour cream can be tricky. These ingredients should be packed into measuring cups with a spoon or spatula to remove air bubbles. If you can get your hands on a plunger-type measuring cup, it will be easier to measure these foods along with honey, syrup and molasses.
You will also need a set of measuring spoons to measure small amounts of liquids and dry ingredients. Using an actual teaspoon or tablespoon will not give you the precise amount, so these are essential kitchen utensils to have on hand. By learning to measure ingredients accurately, you will learn the skills necessary to become a successful baker.
To keep your dry food fresh, store them in our Lock&Lock pantry collection containers!
