Many of the sessions that I attended at BlogHer Food covered so many avenues that I want to explore when it comes to the blogging world. I left Atlanta with a laundry list of to dos and ideas that I can’t wait to tackle within the coming months.
I also attended many sessions that provided me with a lot of “aha” moments. Take for example, the recipe development session moderated by my foodie friend Alison of Ingredients Inc. During this session, food professionals who work in the actual test kitchens of major magazines uncovered all sorts of insider information when it comes to recipe development. I jotted down note after note and kept turning to my friend Eliana from A Chica Bakes and saying, “That’s one for the {Tips & Tricks} series” every time I had an “aha” moment.
One of those moments just happened to be about measuring cups. Trivia question: Is there a difference between wet and dry measuring cups? If you answered “yes,” then you are correct. In your kitchen, when cooking and baking, you should be sure to have a set of measuring cups to measure liquids and a different set to measure dry ingredients.
The Difference Between Wet and Dry Measuring Cups
Wet measuring cups have a spout which makes pouring the liquid into a bowl easier. Also, the line on liquid measuring cups are usually far below the rim of the cup, allowing you to be able to accurately fill the liquid to the appropriate line without spillage.
Dry ingredients are easiest handled using a “scoop and level” technique where the cup is overfilled and then a knife or other straight edge is scraped across the top to level the amount to the right measure. Therefore, you should use a measuring cup similar to the one pictured above. With these cups, you can overfill the cups and then level off the ingredients by dragging a knife or straight edge across the top.
And there you have it…it’s like they say, you learn something new every day!
Yes, but are the measured amounts different? Is one cup the same in both measuring utensils? That's the only concern I have.
To be honest…I am still surprised to learn that people need to learn some of these fundamentals. I guess years of cooking with my grandmother and mother and just 'seeing' their habits led me to know this without anyone ever actually telling me.
I'm sure your basics information is invaluable to those without that hands on experience.
The measure amounts are the same; but the ability to measure dry vs liquid is more easily accomplished with the right vessel.
Hey Jen! We met at BlogHer and I am finally getting around to going through all the cards I acquired! Love your blog!! Can't wait to follow!
Such a great tip! This is a lesson that I learned the hard way a few years back :)