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Monday, March 14, 2011

Why to Measure Ingredients by Weight

As a loyal reader of this wonderful space you have noticed the recipes posted or offered via video use weight measurements. Weight measurements are used because they are more accurate than volume measurements. Four ounces of flour is four ounces of flour is four ounces of flour but depending on how you fill a one cup measuring cup with flour you can get anywhere between 4 and 5 ounces of flour.

There are too many variables that are difficult to control when measuring ingredients by volume-- especially dry ingredients. Using a digital scale can cut back on mistakes and help make your baked goods and desserts more consistent.
The world of baking and pastry relies on consistency and the precise scaling of ingredients. A confection like a pate de fruits is something you need to have measured out accurately and volume measurements just do not cut it at that point.

Many people think that digital scales are too expensive but you can find ones that are not. You can find a good digital scale for between $20 and $30 at your local kitchen supply store or online.As you start to use your scale you will see how easy it is and how quickly you will get your money's worth out of it.

When buying a scale just make sure it can measure in increments that work for you. Some scales can only measure in 2 gram or 5 gram increments. There is also always a max load for the scale so make sure the scale can weigh enough product at once for you. Most digital kitchen scales can measure at least 7 or 8 pounds at a time. There are also small scales you can buy from specialty scale retailers if you want to get crazy accurate but for 99.99999999% of your kitchen tasks a scale you can find in almost any store will work.

Scales: They just aren't for drug dealers anymore!

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