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Measure and cook with perfection using these must-have tools

Every gram of ingredient counts while cooking in the kitchen – though not always. A pinch of sugar more or less – and your favourite dessert does not taste the same. To ensure that perfect taste, do your math right. Seems difficult? Not really! Just keep these measuring tools handy to create that ideal blend and cook like a pro in the kitchen.

22 Feb 2020

Measuring cup 

Want to add a cup of milk to make your batter consistent? The important question here is – how big should the cup be? A measuring cup/jug makes it easy for you to follow your recipes to the  T. Just pour the liquid to be measured and hold the measuring cup firmly at the eye level to correctly read the graduated marker. When you’re buying a measuring cup, make sure to look for things like durability, easy-to-read markings, a spout that is easy to pour out from and shape that holds well. 

Dry measuring cups 

The best way to use it is to fill the solids up to the top of the cup. Make sure to level the ingredients using the back of a knife or any straight object. The liquid measuring cup usually has a spout and is used by filling only up to the gradations on its side. 

Measuring spoons 

A measuring spoon is a go-to tool for anyone who wants to cook with the right mix without getting into a fix! It helps in measuring small quantities of dry and wet ingredients. The standard sizes of measuring spoons are ⅛ teaspoon, ¼ teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon. In case you don’t have a tablespoon, here’s a point to remember – the measure of one tablespoon is equal to that of three teaspoons. 

Digital weighing scale 

If you have a thing for precision, this is a must-have tool in the kitchen. Measuring weight is more accurate than measuring volume. Invest in a digital scale when you want to be sure of the quantities you are using in cooking a dish. Just place it on a flat surface, place the food item to be weighed and you get the result. Digital scales can also be used to portion out food according to serving sizes. Some advanced digital scales also have the feature of displaying nutritional data of a food item. Now that’s taking the measurement to a different level altogether! 

Instant-read thermometer

This one comes as handy when you’re grilling or roasting meat. An instant-read thermometer is ideal for checking the temperature of stocks and soups to make sure that they are cooling quickly enough. The thermometer can be also used for keeping a check on the hot foods that are being served in a buffet. For instance, while roasting chicken, you can check its internal temperature by inserting the thermometer’s stem into the deepest part of its thigh (without hitting the bone). This way, you can ensure that you’re not overcooking or undercooking your food. To avoid cross-contamination, make sure to properly wash the thermometer’s stem after it has been inserted into a food item. 

What are the tools that you use for measuring ingredients while cooking? Share your cooking secrets in the comment section below. 

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Measuring ingredients Must-have tools Measuring cup