No tablespoon measure? Learn what equivalent measures you can use to get an accurate measurement when you don't have the right tool on hand.
1 Answer
If you don't have a tablespoon, use 9 teaspoons (since 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons) or approximately 1/6 of a cup (since 1 cup equals 16 tablespoons). Level off the measurements for accuracy.
Detailed Explanation:
When you're missing a tablespoon measure, there are a few reliable ways to achieve a close approximation. The most direct substitute involves using teaspoons. Since 1 tablespoon is equivalent to 3 teaspoons, you can simply measure out 9 level teaspoons of flour. Leveling is crucial; use a straight edge, like a knife or the flat side of a spatula, to remove any excess flour above the rim of the spoon. This ensures you're getting an accurate measurement.
Alternatively, you can use a cup measure. Since 1 cup contains 16 tablespoons, 3 tablespoons would be 3/16 of a cup. While it might be difficult to measure exactly 3/16 of a cup, you can approximate it by measuring slightly less than 1/4 cup (which is 4 tablespoons). A more accurate approach is to measure 1/8 cup (which is 2 tablespoons) and then add 1 tablespoon using teaspoons (3 teaspoons). Again, leveling is key to accuracy.
For dry ingredients like flour, the 'spoon and level' method is generally recommended for measuring. This involves using a spoon to gently transfer the flour into your measuring cup or spoon, rather than scooping directly from the container. Scooping can compress the flour, leading to an inaccurate measurement.
Pro Tip:
When baking, accuracy is paramount. If you frequently find yourself without the right measuring tools, consider investing in a set of measuring spoons and cups. For critical recipes, using a kitchen scale to measure ingredients by weight is the most accurate method.