
You’ll want to proof the yeast to make sure it’s active. Active Dry Yeast Most yeast packets you’ll find in the store contain 1/4 ounce of yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons). Keep in mind that these two ingredients are different, and it’s important to pay attention to which one your recipe calls for.
Use a measuring spoon and a knife to level off the measurement. Baking Powder & Baking Soda If you’re using baking powder or baking soda, give it a good shake before opening the container. Again, it might seem crazy at first, but in baking, consistency is key. Though they might seem similar enough, it’s good to note that quick oats are finer in consistency than whole oats or old fashioned rolled oats, as quick oats are actually just rolled thinner than old fashioned rolled oats. Oats Oats, like old fashioned or quick cooking oats, are found in baking recipes like bars or granola. It might seem like an extra step, but trust us when we say in the world of baking perfection, it’s necessary. Instead, you use a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup and use the back of a knife to level the top (without packing the flour down). Like we mentioned above, this means that you avoid scooping the flour out of the container or the bag with the measuring cup. Experienced bakers like to use what’s called the spoon and level method. However, with liquids like water, these are equivalent.įlour Flour is known as a profoundly popular baking ingredient that is often measured incorrectly. Ounces are a weight measurement, and fluid ounces are a volume measurement.
Keep in mind that ounces and fluid ounces are different things. And on that note, read your liquid measurements from the side rather than the top. This will help you to make sure you are reading the measurement correctly. When you measure your liquids, make sure to set your cup on a flat surface. This will help the ingredients slide out and will save you from a sticky mess. If you’re filling your measuring cups with something sticky like honey, make sure to spray them with nonstick cooking spray beforehand. You want to make sure you have the precise amount that the recipe calls for. Scoop your flour into a measuring cup first and level it off, rather than simply using your cup to gather the flour from the canister. These different methods will yield different amounts of nuts. If, for example, a recipe calls for 1/2 cup chopped nuts versus 1/2 cup nuts, chopped, keep in mind that the first means that you chop the nuts before measuring, and the second means that you chop the nuts after measuring. Make sure to read the directions carefully. In other words, though it can be convenient, you’ll want to steer clear of measuring a “teaspoon” with the kitchen spoon you use for your morning cereal. These are standard types of baking measurements, so having the necessary tools will help to ensure that you’re getting the exact amount of an ingredient that’s needed. Get a good set of measuring cups and spoons. Whether you’re concocting a big batch of holiday cookies or a dozen anniversary cupcakes for someone special, no need to fear! The Bob’s Red Mill baking measurements guide is here. Well, ingredients that are measured correctly can literally make the difference between a perfect baked good and a disappointing mess! Luckily, we’ve compiled our favorite tips for stress-free measurements, as well as notes on proper baking measurement techniques for ingredients like flour and sugar. And we get that! We’ve all been there before when that birthday cake refuses to rise, or those cookies come out of the oven as flat blobs.
Many folks say that baking stresses them out. Baking seems to be a mix of magic, precision, and science, and once you get over the hurdle of making accurate baking measurements, it can give way to a lot of creativity and color in the kitchen, too.