Measurements and Substitutions
If you’re new to cooking or baking, measuring the ingredients may be a little intimidating at first. But, don’t worry. If you take your time, you'll have no problem. If you're still nervous, you may want to read through the recipe directions a few times to make sure you know what you're up against. Just follow the directions and you’ll be fine. Remember, baking should be fun. You can be creative and vary the recipes according to the way you like things. If you're nervous at first, just follow the directions. As you get more comfortable, you can be creative.
Here are a few tips to help you get started. You can use these measurements and substitutions anytime you need to clarify a recipe, or replace an ingredient you may not have on hand. You may find that different recipes refer to measurements differently.
The following are some abbreviations and their meanings:
C = cup
t or tsp = teaspoon
T or Tbsp = tablespoon
pt = pint
qt = quart
gal = gallon
pkg = package
oz = ounce
lb = pound
sq = square
Here are some measurements that you’ll need to know about:
dash = 1/16 teaspoon
pinch = 1/8 teaspoon
3 teaspoons = 1 Tablespoon
2 Tablespoons = 1 fluid ounce
4 Tablespoons = 2 fluid ounces = ¼ cup
16 Tablespoons = 8 fluid ounces = 1 cup
2 cups = 1 pint
2 pints = 1 quart
4 quarts = 1 gallon
16 ounces = 1 pound
At times you may have to make substitutions if you run out or don’t have a certain ingredient. The following may help you get through without having to run to the store:
1 cup self-rising flour – substitute with 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp cornstarch – substitute with 2 Tbsp flour or 2 tsp quick-cooking tapioca
1 tsp baking powder – substitute with ¼ tsp baking soda and ½ tsp cream of tartar
1 cup confectioners’ sugar – substitute with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp cornstarch
½ cup brown sugar – substitute with 2 Tbsp molasses in ½ cup white sugar
buttermilk or sour milk – substitute with 1 Tbsp lemon juice or cider vinegar plus milk to make 1 cup. Let stand about 5 minutes.
1 cup whole milk – substitute with ½ cup evaporated milk and ½ cup water.
1 square (oz) chocolate – substitute with 3 or 4 Tbsp cocoa and 1 Tbsp butter.
1 cup sour cream – substitute with 3 Tbsp butter and 7/8 cup sour milk
10 mini marshmallows = 1 large marshmallow
3 medium bananas = 1 cup mashed bananas
1 stick of butter = ½ cup or 8 Tbsp
