Question about measuring in cups

IndigoElectron · Fri May 09, 2008 7:26 pm

I've FINALLY got myself some measuring cups, so now I don't have to convert all the recipes to UK weights! :D

Just to check I'm doing it right though, when I use a cup to measure something, is it a level cup, i.e. to the brim? Or is it heaped? And do I pack whatever is in it down, or leave some air in there (for example, if I was measuring flour I'd get a lot more in if it was packed down!)

Thanks!

RedRox · Fri May 09, 2008 8:02 pm

usually a level cup I believe. For flours, I have been told you really should sift them first to get more air into them as you will get too much flour if you just scoop/pour it into a measuring cup and let it settle down. I'm not usually that particular, but you can use a flat surface like the back of a knife to scrape off any extra above the level amount too.

Interested in what other others have to say as well. Not sure I ever got the official measuring cup training class anywhere either! ;)

IndigoElectron · Fri May 09, 2008 8:06 pm

I'll mostly be using them for things like fruit and berries anyway, so it probably won't matter that much. It will certainly make lif much easier for me! :lol:

Magna · Fri May 09, 2008 8:10 pm

Some recipes say otherwise, but the default is that ingredients should be level and not packed into the cup. Don't sift flour before measuring, unless the recipe says otherwise, because it will affect the measurement and may throw off the recipe. (Some recipes ask for the flour to be sifted after measuring, and some don't want it sifted at all.)

ladybugnessa · Fri May 09, 2008 8:32 pm

LEVEL

IndigoElectron · Fri May 09, 2008 8:47 pm

Thanks everyone!

nygirl22 · Fri May 09, 2008 10:55 pm

I know you said it probably won't be an issue, but when measuring flour, you should usually spoon the flour into the measuring cup, rather than pouring it or scooping it with the measuring cup. You'll end up with more flour than needed. That's what I've read anyways!


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