Jan 04 2008
Cooking Measurements Help Duplicate Recipes
Years ago most cooks used their memory when cooking and cooking measurements was something of a guess. A dash of this and a pinch of that usually described the amount of a dry ingredient used in a recipe. Depending on where you live and what you are cooking, measurements are typically given in teaspoons, tablespoons and cups, in the United States and in countries that use the metric measurement system grams and milliliters are most often used.
Cooking measurements will also include ounces, either fluid ounces or dry ounces, depending on whether the ingredient is wet or dry, but when following a recipe common sense prevails. Some of the most basic cooking measurements are learned while in grade schools, but there may be some equivalents that seem unnecessary to learn. For example, if a recipe calls for one cup of an ingredient, a one-cup measure is usually used. However, if you don’t have one, just add 16 tablespoons.
During the early to mid 20th century, many recipes called for cooking measurements that were somewhat subjective such as drop, dash and pinch. To many a pinch would be as much of a dry ingredient that the cook could pinch between the thumb and first finger. In reality, a pinch is one-fourth of a teaspoon.
Need Math Whiz For Changing Recipes
Many times, recipes are written down to realize a certain amount of the product being cooked. Many recipes for cookies, for example will produce between two and three dozen baked cookies. To make a larger batch the cooking measurements will have to be altered evenly to make the finished product come out correctly. Some of the measurements can simply be doubled if making a double batch but knowing that a dash equals .06 of a teaspoon will reveal that two dashes equals one 12th of a teaspoon.
One of the easiest conversions in cooking measurements is teaspoons, as everyone knows that three teaspoons equal one tablespoon and since 16 tablespoons makes a cup, it will take 48 teaspoons to equal a cup. Instead of writing the recipes with these cooking measurements, it is much easier to write it as one cup. It is easier to measure out as well.
However, there are going to be times when simply doubling a recipe can end in questionable results. A recipe calling for a teaspoon of salt for example, if doubled may end up with more salt in the food that wanted. While most cooking measurements are accurate, slight variations can be used to adjust the taste of the individual cook.
Holiday Menus
(NC)—Try making this delicious Homegrown Ontario Pulled Pork simple slow cooker recipe this holiday season and see the difference a little planning makes. Great as an appetizer served on a crostini, this savoury morsel will save you time in the kitchen while impressing your guests. More delicious appetizer recipes can be found online at [...]
(NC)—Adding new flavour to traditional foods can be fun and be a great way to get family members to try new foods. Indian flavoured products are becoming widely available and provide a great opportunity to create mouthwatering recipes for the whole family. This shrimp korma recipe is a quick and easy one for the entire [...]
(NC)—Mulligatawny soup originally became popular with the British stationed in India (employees of the East India Company) during Colonial Times. When they returned home, they brought the recipe back with them to England, and to other members of the Commonwealth. In fact Mulligatawny is the Anglicized name of two words for “pepper water,” molegoo (pepper) [...]
(NC)—Here are two easy ways to bring some excitement to your next children’s party – Wacky Waikiki or Purple Razzle Dazzle Shakes. For dozens more delicious treats to thrill your child, visit www.homebasics.ca.
Wacky Waikiki Shake
2 large ripe bananas, peeled and quartered
1 can frozen pineapple or pineapple-orange juice concentrate, thawed (6 oz)
1/2 cup milk
4 scoops Breyers [...]
Savor the Flavor Every Day, Every Way
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(ARA) – Long overlooked, mushrooms are nature’s hidden treasure for helping those focusing on living a healthful life. To promote the nutritional benefits of fresh produce this back-to-school season, Weight Watchers continues Pick of the Season, a public health initiative spotlighting seasonal fruit and vegetables, with recipes this quarter [...]
Skyrocketing gas prices and escalating grocery costs have put getting more for a dollar top-of-mind for many consumers. Many Americans are tailoring their grocery shopping lists to ensure they get more bang for their buck. That means purchasing items that provide the best nutritional punch for their value.
Luxury items like prepackaged or single serve meals [...]
Blueberries are most abundant and least expensive in the summer, making it an ideal time to get your fill of these little blue gems. Stock the fridge and freezer with blueberries to make meals, snacks and desserts that are easy on the cook. Blueberries never need to be peeled, pitted, stemmed or chopped –just a [...]