Children need to be taught proper cooking measurements for ingredients to get the desired results. Tossing in an extra pinch of this and a sprinkle of that comes with years of practice and, usually, many experimental failures. Without a firm understanding of measurement, this talent may never come at all.
Just in case you have forgotten Home Economics 101, here are the basic guidelines to measuring properly.
Solids vs. Liquids
There is a difference between solid and liquid measuring containers. The solid measuring cups are the stackable containers that come in various sizes. The liquid container is the large measuring cup with lined increments running up the front of the container. The only way to get an exact measurement with either is to use the proper container.
Solids
Dry ingredients should be spooned in the measuring container while holding the measuring cup over the bag or canister that you are using. Using flour as an example, take the open bag and place the cup over the bag so that any overflow will fall back into the bag. Spoon the flour into the cup until it heaps over the top. Take a flat-edged instrument, such as a butter knife, and scrape across the lip of the measuring cup, creating a perfectly even, completely filled cup.
Measuring spoons should be filled in the same manner.
Don't forget to teach that brown sugar needs to be firmly packed.
Liquids
Liquids should be poured into the cup while the cup is exactly at eye level. You can demonstrate the importance of this by filling the container while standing above it. Once it is filled to a particular level, have your child bring it to eye level to see how much it is off.
Measuring spoons should be filled right to the top without letting any spill over.
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