When baking cookies, it is very important to add ingredients precisely; incorrect measuring can lead to a failed baking project. To ensure the best results every time for your cookies, follow these simple guidelines for sifting and measuring.
What is sifting?
Sifting is the process of placing flour or other dry ingredients through a sifter — a fine mesh - to remove lumps and add air. You should sift only when a recipe calls for it, as it may change the volume of the ingredient slightly and, therefore, affect the measurements.
How to sift
If your recipe calls for sifted flour, measure the flour after you have sifted it. Simply place the flour in your sifter and move it through into a bowl, then measure your flour. If the recipe calls for other ingredients to be sifted in with pre-sifted flour, you can re-sift the measured flour, along with the other ingredients. You will not need to re-measure.
However, some recipes call for you to measure the flour before sifting. In this instance, you may add any extra ingredients called for as you sift the first time.
If you do not have a sifter, you may use a fine mesh strainer to sift, instead. Simply place the flour in the strainer and shift it gently back and forth, allowing the flour to move through.
Measuring basics
Dry and liquid ingredients must be measured in different types of containers, due to their different characteristics. Dry cookie baking ingredients are generally measured in metal or plastic measuring cups, also known as dry measures, and in measuring spoons. Liquid ingredients should be measured using a liquid measuring cup.
How to measure dry ingredients
Dry measuring cups are used to measure ingredients such as flour and white sugar. Select a cup of the appropriate size; it is important to use a cup that is exactly the size you need for accuracy. This is not a good time to estimate.
You may either scoop the ingredient into a clean measuring cup or gently spoon it in. Fill the cup until it the ingredient is slightly mounded above the top, then use a flat surface, such as the back of a knife or a spatula edge, to scrape across the top of the cup, making the surface level. When the ingredient has a flat surface, equal to the top of the cup, you have the right amount.
Measuring spoons are used in much the same way, but for smaller amounts of dry ingredients often such as baking soda, spices and herbs. Use a clean, dry measuring spoon to scoop an ingredient and then use a flat surface – many packages of baking powder and soda are equipped with just such a place – to level the ingredient in the spoon. Like dry measuring cups, it is important to use the correct spoon size to measure for the proper level of precision.
How to measure liquids
A glass or clear plastic measuring cup is most useful, since it allows you to see very precisely when the liquid is up to the appropriate line.
Find an appropriately sized liquid measure and pour the liquid into the cup until it reaches the desired level. Make sure the cup is placed on a flat surface, such as a countertop. The amount should be even with the line showing the measurement when viewed at eye level.
Liquid flavorings and extracts, such as vanilla, use measuring spoons. The measuring spoon is used for these small liquid amounts as well as for dry ingredients such as spices.
Is it wet or is it dry?
There are a few ingredients that are measured a little differently or may be confusing as to whether they are dry or liquid ingredients. Here are some guidelines to these nebulous ingredients:
* Solid shortening: measure this like a dry ingredient, making sure you press it down to remove any air bubbles that may collect in the measuring cup.
* Brown sugar: brown sugar is the only dry ingredient that must always be “packed” or pressed down into the measuring cup to gain an accurate measure. It has a substantial amount of moisture in it, but is considered a dry ingredient for measuring purposes.
* Dried fruit: measure dried fruit, such as raisins, in dry measuring cups.
* Other liquids: honey, syrup and molasses are all measured as liquids, despite their thick nature.
