the measurement headache

Monday, August 13, 2012

the measurement headache

I've spent most of my life in grams, Celsius, kilos and milliliters. Fahrenheit discomfits me. I don't like cups of flour. I find yards ticklish and ounces itchy. 

So here I'm collecting a rough conversion table, to the best of my limited ability.

And... doesn't anyone want to join me in the metric system? I offer to give up driving on the wrong side of the road if the U.S. proposes to adopt the metric system!


How hot is hot enough?

275°F = 140°C
300°F = 150°C
325°F = 165°C
350°F = 180°C
375°F = 190°C
400°F = 200°C
425°F = 220°C
450°F = 230°C
475°F = 240°C 

I don't trust measuring in volume, but since everyone does it, here it is:

1 teaspoon = 1/3 tablespoon = 5 ml
3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon = 15 ml
4 tablespoons = 1/4 cup = 60 ml
8 tablespoons = 1/2 cup = 120 ml
16 tablespoons = 1 cup = 240 ml
2 cups =1 pint = 1/2 quart = 480 ml
4 cups = 2 pints = 1 quart = 960 ml
16 cups = 8 pints = 4 quarts = 3.84 l

And I really, really, prefer grams. Especially when it comes to baking.

1 ounce = 28.4 grams

1 pound = 454 grams

roughly speaking:
1 cup powdered sugar = 80 grams
100 grams white sugar = 1/2 cup

1 cup packed brown sugar = 180 grams

1 stick of butter = 1/2 cup = 113 grams

1 cup all-purpose flour = 120 grams

I'll try to add to the list as I go on. But I don't like it. Let's change to the metric system, please?