Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Kitchen 101-Volume Conversions and Equivalents



If you are anything like me, trying to convert 1 tbsp. salt into 1/8 tsp. salt is basically a nightmare waiting to happen.  Having the correct conversion can be the difference between an amazing meal and an expedited pizza delivery night. 

So, first things first.  Make sure that you have at least the basic dry measuring cups (1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup) and spoons (1/4 tsp., 1/2 tsp., 1 tsp. and 1 Tbs.).  You will also need a liquid measuring cup. 

*Important to Note: 
*If you try to measure a dry ingredient with a liquid measuring cup, you will not get an accurate amount. 

*Always level off your dry ingredients with a dull knife to sweep away the excess.

*A Scant Measure means juts shy of the full amount.

*A Heaping Measure means a little extra.

*A Pinch Measure is only as much as you can pinch between your thumb and forefinger.

Here are the basic Volume Conversions that you will need to keep handy:
60 Drops=1 tsp. (5 ml)
16 Dashes=1 tsp. (5 ml)
8 Pinches=1 tsp. (5 ml)
1 1/2 Teaspoons=1/2 Tablespoon (7.5 ml)
3 Teaspoons=1 Tablespoon (15 ml)
2 Tablespoons=1 Fluid Ounce (30 ml)
4 Tablespoons=1/4 Cup (60 ml)
2 2/3 Fluid Ounces=1/3 Cup (80 ml)
4 Fluid Ounces=1/2 Cup (120 ml)
8 Fluid Ounces=1 Cup (240 ml)
2 Cups=1 Pint (475 ml)
4 Cups=1 Quart (950 ml)

Mass & Volume Equivalents:
16 Ounces=1 Pound (454 g)
1 lb. All-Purpose, Bread Flour=4 Cups (950 ml)
1 lb. Cake Flour=4 1/3 Cups (1 L, 25 ml)
1 lb. Whole Wheat Flour=3 3/4 Cups (890 ml)
1 lb. Butter=2 Cups (475 ml)
1 lb. Granulated Sugar=2 1/4 Cups (535 ml)
1 lb. Brown Sugar=2 2/3 Cups (630 ml)
1 lb. Powdered Sugar=4 Cups (950 ml)
1 lb. Corn Starch=3 1/4 Cups (770 ml)
1 lb. Cornmeal=3 Cups (710 ml)
1 lb. Rolled Oats= 5 Cups (1 L, 185 ml)
1 lb. Cocoa Powder=4 3/4 Cups (1 L, 125 ml)
1 lb. Honey=1 1/3 Cups (315 ml)
1 lb. Peanuts, Almonds=3 Cups (710 ml)
1 lb. Pistachios, Hazelnuts=3 1/3 Cups (790 ml)
1 lb. Pecans, Walnuts=4 1/4 Cups (1 L, 5 ml)
1 lb. Raisins, Dried Currants=2 3/4 Cups (650 ml)