WELCOME TO LESSON 4!
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Different people may use the same recipe for baked goods, but the results may vary due to differences in measuring and combining skills. The following section contains some key measurement equivalents, tables, and conversions that are required in baking in order to attain the highest level of accuracy when measuring the components for each recipe.
Knowing the units of measurement that correspond with a number can give you so much more information than a digit sitting there by itself. Units can: Help to show another person the exact amount you have.
The Importance of Measuring
The Importance of Measuring
When cooking, you can often get away with approximating quantities, and a degree of experimentation is often expected. You can in many cases swap or leave out certain ingredients without drastically changing the end result.
This is not always the case with baking. Many of the ingredients need to be in a specific ratio to each other in order to function correctly and produce the desired flavor or texture. Leaving out a critical ingredient could result in a sloppy mess rather than a fine, risen cake.
It is important therefore to take care when measuring ingredients and not deviate too much from the suggested quantities. Once you have the basics down and you have a better understanding of the basic principles of baking, you can start to experiment with different quantities and ratios.
Scales are usually the most accurate, but not everyone has one. It is definitely possible to measure ingredients without a scale though.
How to Measure Correctly
There’s a right way and a wrong way to measure and by getting baking measurements right, you will get the consistent results you are looking for. Accurate techniques in measuring are as important as the tools for measuring. Therefore, always observe the following procedures:
To Measure Liquid:
Use a clear glass measuring cup, one designed for liquids. Fill it to the mark and set it on the counter or on a shelf at eye level and look through the glass. Never try to hold the glass up to your eyes–it will never be as level and steady as on the counter.
To Measure Dry Ingredients:
Use a dry measure of the capacity you wish to measure–either a spoon or a cup. For a cup, stir to loosen and unpack the ingredients then lightly spoon them into the cup. Level the top with a spatula or the back of a knife. Except for brown sugar, never pack the ingredients into the measure. When using a measuring spoon, scrape the top level as you do when measuring with a cup
Flour can be tricky to measure. We always use a scale to get accurate, consistent measurements. If you use a dry measuring cup, stir the flour to fluff and loosen it–packed flour will weigh considerably more than loosened flour–then spoon it into the measuring cup. Also, scooping the flour out of the bag with the measuring cup rather than spooning flour into the cup will give you significantly more flour–enough more that the results of the recipe may vary considerably.
To Measure Herbs:
Lightly fill the spoon to the top with herbs but do not level with a spatula as you would with powdered ingredients. Dump the herbs into your hand and crush them to release the flavors before adding them to the recipe.
To Measure Shortening:
Pack the shortening into a dry measure with the back of a spoon or spatula pressing to force out any air pockets, then level it by scraping the top of the cup.
Rice and Flour
Rice and Flour
Fill the cup to overflowing, level-off with a spatula or with a straight edge of a knife
Sifted Flour
Sifted Flour
Most cake recipes call for sifted flour. In this case, sift flour 2 or 3 times. Spoon into the cup overflowing, level off with a spatula.
Refined Sugar
Refined Sugar
Sift sugar once to take out lumps, if any. Spoon into a cup and level off with a spatula. Do not pack or tap the sugar down.
Brown Sugar
Brown Sugar
Pack into the cup just enough to hold its shape when turned out off cup. Level off with a spatula before emptying.
Liquid Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
Liquid measuring cup -- a glass or plastic cup with graduated markings on the side. Place the cup on a flat, level surface. Hold the cup firmly and pour the desired amount of liquid into the cup. Lean over and view the liquid at eye level to make sure it is the proper amount.
Level A Measuring Spoon
Level A Measuring Spoon
Level a measuring spoon with straight edge of a knife to measure small amounts of salt, pepper, leavening agents or solid fats.
Check and calibrate timers/thermometers, scales and other measuring devices
according to the manufacturer’s manual before using.
Ingredients which measure by volume and by weight demand
standardized measuring tools and equipment
Do not shake the dry measuring cup to level off dry ingredients.
It is easier to weigh fat, butter, margarine if bought in pre-measured sticks. If fat
does not come in pre-measured sticks, use a scale to weigh the needed amount.
Liquids should be poured into the cup to the desired level. The cup should stand on a flat surface.
Spring scales should be adjusted so that pointer is at zero (0). Place pan, bowl,
or piece of waxed paper on the scale to hold ingredients to be measured.
When using balance scales, place the pan on the left-hand side of the balance and the pan weight on the right-hand side. Add the required weights to the right-hand side and adjust the beam on the bar so that the total is the weight needed.
Learn to match the size of the pan to the size of the unit and to select the right amount of heat for the cooking job to be done.
In microwave cooking, time schedules must be followed exactly because every second is important. The microwaves shut off automatically when the door is opened.
Standard Table of Weights and Measures
Accurate measuring and skills in conversation of units are always important to baking. Below shows equivalent wet and dry measurement. The ounce measurement are for liquid on.
Teaspoon and Tablespoon Measure
Standard Measure Equivalent Measure
1 teaspoon 1/3 tablespoon
1 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 tablespoon
3 teaspoons 1 tablespoon; 1/2 fluid ounce
1 tablespoon 3 teaspoons; 1/2 fluid ounce
2 tablespoons 1/8 cup; 1 fluid ounce
3 tablespoons 1 jigger; 1 1/2 fluid ounce
4 tablespoons 1/4 cup; 2 fluid ounces
5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon 1/3 cup
8 tablespoons 1/2 cup; 4 fluid ounces
10 tablespoons 2/3 cup
12 tablespoons 2/3 cup; 6 fluid ounces
16 tablespoons 1 cup; 1/2 pint; 8 fluid ounces
Cup Measures
Standard Measure Equivalent Measure
1/8 cup 2 tablespoons; 1 fluid ounces
1/4 cup 4 tablespoons; 2 fluid ounces
1/3 cup 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon
3/8 cup 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoon
1/2 cup 8 tablespoons; 4 fluid ounces
2/3 cup 10 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons
5/8 cup 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons
3/4 cup 12 tablespoons; 6 fluid ounces
7/8 cup 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons
1 cup 16 tablespoons; 1/2 pint; 8 fluid ounces
2 cups 1 pint; 1/2 quart; 16 fluid ounces; 1 pound
3 cups 2 pints;1 quart; 32 fluid ounces
8 cups 4 pints; 2 quarts; 1/2 gallon; 64 fluid ounces
16 cups 8 pints; 4 quarts; 1 gallon; 128 fluid ounces
Pint, Quart, and Gallon Measure
Standard Measure Equivalent Measure
1/2 pint 1 cup; 8 fluid ounces
1 pint 2 cups; 1/2 quart; 16fluid ounces
1/2 quart 2 cups; 1 pint; 16 fluid ounces
1 quart 4 cups; 2 pints; 32 fluid ounces
2 quarts 8 cups; 4 pints; 1/2 gallon; 64 fluid ounces
4 quarts 16 cups; 8 pints; 1 gallon, 128 fluid ounces
Volume Conversions
U.S Standard Measure Metric Measure
1 teaspoon 5 milliliters
2 teaspoons 10 milliliters
1 tablespoon 15 milliliters
1/4 cup 59 milliliters
1/3 cup 79 milliliters
1/2 cup 118 milliliters
1 cup 236 milliliters
4 cups (1 quart) 0. 944 liter
1.06 quarts 1 liter
4 quarts 3.8 liters
Weight Conversation
Ounces Grams
1 ounce 28 grams
4 ounces (1/4 pound) 113 grams
8 ounces (1/2 pound) 227 grams
16 ounces (1 pound) 454 grams
2.2 pounds 1 kilo
Baking Measurement Abbreviation
Measurements Abbreviation
teaspoon tsp. or t.
tablespoon Tbsp. or T.
cup c.
pint pt.
quart qt.
gallon gal.
fluid ounce fl. oz.
ounce or ounces oz.
pound lb.
milliliter mil.
kilogram kil. or kg.
gram g.
grams gms.
liter l.
Fahrenheit ° F
Celsius Centigrade ° C
Learning Activity 9
Click the given form below for the quiz.
References:
References:
Learning Materials:
[1]https://www.exploratorium.edu/food/measurements
[2]https://www.bakingkneads.com/baking-essentials-for-beginners/
[3]https://www.preparedpantry.com/blog/the-importance-of-measures/
[4]https://www.factmonster.com/math-science/weights-measures/cooking-measurement-equivalents
[5]https://mobile-cuisine.com/culinary-lessons/common-recipe-abbreviations-measurement-conversions/
Video Materials:
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