Measuring Tips

How to Measure 

Dry Ingredients
Stir, then fill the measuring spoon or graduated measuring cup and level off with a straight-edged knife.

Shortening
Use graduated measuring cup.  Have shortening at room temperature.  Pack shortening firmly into measuring cup.  Level off with a straight-edged knife.

Butter
For approximate measure:
4 sticks (1 lb.) = 2 cups
1 stick (1/4 lb.) = 1/2 cup
1/2 stick (1/8 lb.) = 1/4 cup

Eggs
2 medium = 1/3 cup
2 large = 1/2 cup
3 medium = 1/2 cup
3 large = 2/3 cup

Liquids
Use liquid measuring cup to prevent spilling.  Pour liquid into cup on table.  Have measuring line at eye level.  You do not want to hold measuring cup because you hand might not be level and you can get the wrong measurement.

Flour
Sift flour through large open sifter (to aerate it) onto a square of wax paper or into a bowl before measuring.  Spoon the sifted flour into your graduated measuring cup and level off cup with a straight-edged knife.  Don't shake the cup.  This is very important to ensuring accuracy for your recipe.

Granulated Sugar
Needs sifting only if lumpy.  Spoon lightly into graduated measuring cup.  Level off with a straight-edged knife.  Do not knock or tap cup.

Brown Sugar
If it's lumpy, press through a course sieve; or heat in slow oven; or crush lumps with rolling pin.  Pack into graduated measuring cup until sugar holds its shape.  Level off with a straight-edged knife.

Confectioners' Sugar
Sift through flour sifter or press through sieve to remove lumps.  Spoon lightly into graduated measuring cup.  Level off with straight-edged knife.

Molasses or Syrup
Fill cup.  It rounds up, so level off.  Scrape out with rubber spatula.

Dried Fruit
Pack raisins, dates, figs., etc., lightly into measuring cup.  Press gently to level off top.

Nuts and Coconut
Pack shredded coconut or shelled nuts lightly into measuring cup until level with top.

Soft Bread Crumbs
Pack lightly into measuring cup.  Press gently until level with top.

Fine Dry Bred Crumbs
Spoon lightly into measuring cup.  Level off.  Don't shake cup.

Shredded or Grated Cheese
Pack lightly into measuring cup until level with top.