15: Measuring Ingredients Animation Video
Transcript:
Technique: Measuring Ingredients
For a recipe to turn out right each time it is made, ingredients must be measured accurately. Ingredients can be measured by weight or by volume. To determine which way to measure an ingredient, read the recipe.
In this example, the recipe calls for eight ounces of carrots. "Ounce" is a unit used to measure weight.
A scale is used to measure ingredients by weight. However, for your measurement to be accurate, you must first tare the scale. To tare the scale, place an empty container on the scale.
We now know this empty container weighs ten ounces by reading the scale.
With the empty container still on the scale, reset it to zero.
Next, place the ingredient to be weighed in the container and place it on the scale.
The scale reads eight ounces. Because the weight of the container was accounted for when the scale was tared, we know the eight ounces reflects the weight of the carrots but not the container.
If you look at the ingredient list again, you will see that it calls for one-half gallon of chicken stock. Gallon is a unit used to measure volume.
To accurately measure a liquid by volume, the measuring container must be placed on a flat surface and the measurement read at eye level.
If the measure is not viewed at eye level, the reading will be inaccurate.
Sometimes dry ingredients are measured by volume. To accurately measure dry ingredients by volume, first select the appropriate size measuring container. For example, if a recipe calls for one cup of flour, select a one-cup measure.
Spoon the flour into the measuring cup until it is overfilled.
Use a straight-edged spatula to scrape off excess.