Spoon measures

Georgiabay

If I'm following a recipe and it calls for a tablespoon of something, I never know if it means heaped or flat (unless it specifies).
I usually go half way and make it slightly rounded, unless of course it's a liquid. Is there some kind of rule for this?

TomsMom

I don't know if there is a rule but I bought a set of measuring spoons and flatten them off. You can get them almost everywhere, supermarkets or any kitchen supply shop. Plastic or stainless steel. Not too expensive, you'll probably get a set for a couple of quid.

Stephen_Leak

Georgiabay wrote: »

If I'm following a recipe and it calls for a tablespoon of something, I never know if it means heaped or flat (unless it specifies).
I usually go half way and make it slightly rounded, unless of course it's a liquid. Is there some kind of rule for this?

It's level. On the other hand, you're only cooking, not weighing out drugs or poisons, or doing a scientific experiment!

I got my set of measuring spoons from ADSA for just £1.00.

Georgiabay

Thanks,
I don't want to buy any measuring spoons as it's hard enough finding anything in my untensil drawer as it is without adding more stuff.
I'll level them from now on.

purpleivy

The problem is that 'table spoons' vary so much. In particular, older ones seem to be much bigger than the modern ones. If you watch Delia Smith cooking (I used to do, but find cookery progs now are like watching paint dry!!!) then she uses a normal table spoon. More reliable results are probably achieved in most cases if you use measuring spoons. I would argue that in some cases, the measurement DOES matter. E.g usiing salt, baking powder or bicarb. These things can really affect the taste of the final product. Scones with too much raising agent? eeeuuuuuuwww!