Hey everyone! I've gotten several emails from people who would like to step into the kitchen but they feel it is a bit daunting with all the measurements and conversions they feel they need to know on hand.
Some emails have expressed that they feel that there are so many different types of measurements and they do not know what is for what.
I need to be honest, I haven't always been great in the kitchen (and am still a work in progress.) I also felt a bit confused and nervous. I didn't have proper measuring instruments so I would at times use a plain old cup to measure the ingredients.
Kitchen tools can get expensive and I was so nervous to buy the wrong item and I hated researching.
But learned that in order to create great recipes you need to have the proper kitchen tools. The most basic kitchen utensil you need is measuring cups and spoons.
Using a regular cup as I have done in the past just doesn't cut it. You are basically just winging the measurements and each time you make the recipe it will taste slightly different because you used different measurements.
Let's get into common measuring utensils
Measuring Spoons – Most sets come with at least 4 spoons (sizes ¼ tsp, ½ tsp, 1 tsp, and 1 Tbsp) and some sets can come with additional spoons (⅛ tsp and ½ Tbsp).
Dry Measuring Cups – Sets commonly come with 4 cup sizes: ¼ cup, ⅓ cup, ½ cup, and 1 cup.
Liquid Measuring Cup – These usually range in 1 - 4 cup sizes, this will measure in ounces, quarts, and milliliters, and will have a handle.
Kitchen Scale – When baking, this is the best, most guaranteed way to get the correct weight the recipe is calling for. Baked goods perform best when you use the exact ingredient amounts.
I have the OXO measuring cups and spoons. The OXO comes in the standard 4 sizes. They are a bit pricier but to be totally honest I got mine as a gift.
Why The OXO measuring utensils are great? There magnetic. Honestly, that's all. There magnetic which allows them to stay together.
If you are currently in the market for measuring cups and spoons I would recommend getting METAL ones that are attached through a ring (or magnetic ones). This keeps the set in one place and you are less likely to lose pieces.
I recently bought a 4 cup liquid measuring cup since I tend to double (or triple!!) batch recipes. This also allows me to mix all my wet ingredients in one place = fewer dishes :)
No, I do not have a kitchen scale. I have yet to reach that level of expertise. But hope to soon (when I do I'll let you know).
If you are still interested in learning more about measuring utensils I would recommend this Youtube video https://shalomreccomends
Ok. Let us move on to abbreviations.
If you are just starting out in the kitchen abbreviations might confuse you. So let's clear up any confusion.
tsp – Teaspoon
Tbsp – Tablespoon
C – Cup
PT – Pint
QT – Quart
ML/mL – Milliliters
L – Liters
OZ – Ounce
FL OZ – Fluid Ounce
G – Grams
LB – Pound
- A little tip: If you still get confused just write it on a piece of paper or index card and keep it handy in the kitchen.
Great! Once you know those let's move on to some really basic conversion.
1 Quart = 4 Cups
1 Quart = 2 Pints
1 Pint = 2 Cups
1 Cup = 8 Ounces
1 Cup = 16 Tbsp
1 Tbsp = 3 Tsp
1 Fluid Ounce = 30 mL
Now, if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of conversion in the kitchen, just print yourself a conversion chart and keep it on the fridge or in a safe but easily accessible place in your kitchen.
Disclaimer: This post is not being sponsored by any of the products mentioned. All opinions are my own.