Sometimes if you've done something a certain way, like your whole life, you don't know there's a better way. Like in my instance I just learned I could buy diapers from Amazon
for way cheaper than I was getting them from the commissary. I could get them even cheaper than Amazon advertises them when I joined their Amazon Mom and also subscribed to getting them delivered to my doorstep.
for way cheaper than I was getting them from the commissary. I could get them even cheaper than Amazon advertises them when I joined their Amazon Mom and also subscribed to getting them delivered to my doorstep. Right now, averaging 600 diapers a month, we are using disposables. I have been thinking about making the switch back to cloth after I get the oldest three well-trained in the washing of laundry. I mean at least with washing clothes and towels. BUT NEVER TOGETHER OF COURSE. Sorry. I didn't mean to yell. It's just a pet peeve of mine.
This is not the pet peeve I'm talking about today.
The pet peeve I'm talking about today is how to measure flour. I know how to measure flour because I have a gourmet chef for a mom. She taught me when I was like 8 years old how to measure flour properly. I also had a home economics teacher in sixth grade reiterate the proper way to sift and measure flour-- which is decidely different than measuring sugar.
My pet peeve is not with you. Let me make that clear. My pet peeve is with me for blindly believing (too many times) that you measure flour like I do-- that my mom taught you and Mrs. 6th grade Home-Ec teacher taught you as well.
I love to get new recipes. I read fantastic recipes online. I visualize them. I get excited about what I'm going to bake. I start baking and then I go, "Argh! Fizzly stinkin' spiders! I should've compared this recipe to others before believing the measurements and making it!"
picture from here
So if you're interested in knowing the "proper way to measure flour" here it is. It may seem foreign to you at first, but in no time at all, it will be automatic.
I was going to do a How to Measure Flour tutorial, but someone already did it. They did it well. And I approve. There you have it my peeps. Click on that link on how to measure flour and you too can contribute more accurate recipes to the world wide web and your family.
I was going to do a How to Measure Flour tutorial, but someone already did it. They did it well. And I approve. There you have it my peeps. Click on that link on how to measure flour and you too can contribute more accurate recipes to the world wide web and your family.
By the way, if you're feeling sheepish because you just learned, just now, how to properly measure flour, don't. Follow along with me and see for yourself that I learn new things all the time.
P.S. Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!
8 comments:
I've actually wondered about this. Thanks for the info!
The thing is, I don't have problems when I measure it the wrong way (I mean, I like how things turn out), so my stubbornness says there's no reason to change it to the slower method. Cuz I'm lazy. But you're right, anyone who shares recipes should probably make the distinction of whether they do it the right way or the wrong way. I should go make that disclaimer on my food blog right now.
:)
Marcy- LOL. A disclaimer sounds like a good idea. If people that choose to scoop their flour directly in their cup or even, dare I say, PACK it in had a disclaimer, that would certainly help me discern how to adjust their recipe. I'm personally too lazy to sift. But sifting is not usually necessary in most recipes.
One of the recipes I followed through your blog to your food blog and from there (I believe) was a kid friendly soft pretzel recipe. I think she scoops too. ;) The recipe was quite fun and yummy when I adjusted it though.
I actually knew about the not packing or shaking, but the no-scooping is new to me. Who knew! :)
Although, most my measuring is ballpark and I eye the final product. Seeing if the dough/batter/etc is the right consistancy. I blame my mother. :P Every time I'd call and ask her how to make something she'd say, "A handful of this, a pinch of that...I don't know, just check to see if it looks right." Takl about a HUGE learning curve!
I always keep a handled scoop in my flour container. With that, I can pour the flour into the measuring cup, and the scoop has a nice flat side that is great for leveling off the cup. So, it's not any slower than scooping with the cup. Of course, if we all did it really right, we'd weigh it and have all of our recipes listed with ounces or grams rather than cups.
Amy- I am shocked. lol I agree about bread dough and checking the right consistency. However, when I make kits and use my bread machine, I don't find myself checking the consistency vs. if I make it by hand.
Laurie- I have a Tupperware scoop in my whole wheat flour container with a flat side too. So I loosen the flour and then scoop it in and level it in no time! The problem is with my refined flour container. My Tupperware scoop in that one is rounded. So I have to use the backside of a butterknife.
And you're absolutely right, we should weigh the ingredients to be more precise. (a scale is on my wishlist)
The measuring flour thing is awesome but I'm still back on the diaper tip. I'll pass that on to my lil sis who has a 2 year old and is expecting twins. She'll be doing the 3 in diapers thing and needs to save all the money she can!
Okay, I'm late to read this (playing catch-up tonight ...), but WOW!
This might change my life.
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