measures

COOKING FROM SCRATCH

with

Margaret Ida

Step-by-Step to Self Confidence in the Kitchen

using Back to Basics principles.

SOMETHING TO MEASURE WITH

Almost all the recipes you read or share will give you measurements.

In America, we measure with teaspoons, Tablespoons, and cups.

In many parts of the world, measurement is done in grams and milliliters, but I am going to discuss the American style.

You will find a table of equivalents in almost any English cookbook. You will want to become familiar with things like 1 Tablespoon (Tbs.) = 3 teaspoons (tsp.) and 4 Tablespoons = 1/4 cup if you are going to to larger or smaller recipe sizes. [Now you know where all that working with fractions in 5th grade comes in useful in real life!]

You can get a set of spoons that include measurements for

1/4 teaspoon
1/2 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1 Tablespoon

Some fancier sets also my include 1/8 teaspoon and 1/2 Tablespoon.

They come in a variety of colors of plastic, aluminum, or stainless.

A basic set of measuring cups includes:

1/4 cup
1/3 cup
1/2 cup
1 cup

Additional common sizes, usually purchased separately are 2 cup and 4 cup measures.

Measuring cup sets also come in a variety of colors of plastic (matching your spoons if you like it that way1), aluminum, or stainless. 1, 2, and 4 cup measures are also available in glass.

For the beginner, I would suggest you start with an inexpensive set of measuring spoons - and an inexpensive set of measuring cups. I would also recommend a 2 cup measure. Unless you are cooking for a large group, you probably won't need a 4 cup measure to start with.

Congratulations! You have taken a step towards increased self-reliance in the kitchen! Take another step with more equipment, or choose another topic from the contents page.