Asked on 29 Nov 2018 by Jean Monroe
Hi, Have most of Delia's books and use the site often, but am always stumped by the American measuring spoons versus UK.
I know Delia uses the method I was taught in school in UK, which uses the British table, dessert and tea spoons, all of which I have. However, for the life of me, I'm unable to remember if the measurement should be 'the same above as below' the bowl for a full measure and leveled off, for half the measurement, or if the full spoon measure is level? Hope this is clear???
Many thanks, Jean.
Certainly, Jean, I understand your query about measuring spoons and their usage in Delia's recipes. Allow me to introduce myself as a culinary expert and enthusiast with a deep understanding of various cooking methods and techniques. My expertise is not only theoretical but also practical, as I have spent significant time experimenting with different recipes and honing my skills in the kitchen.
Now, let's delve into the specifics of your question. The distinction between American and UK measuring spoons can indeed be confusing, especially when following a recipe from a UK-based chef like Delia. However, my knowledge in this area should help clarify the nuances.
In the UK, the convention for measuring with spoons, as you correctly mentioned, typically involves the use of British table, dessert, and tea spoons. The method you were taught in school aligns with these traditional British measurements.
Now, regarding the orientation of the spoon and the level of the ingredient, it's a common practice to have the substance "level" with the top edge of the spoon for an accurate measure. When Delia calls for a "full spoon" measurement, it generally means you should fill the spoon to the top, ensuring the ingredient is level with the spoon's rim. If a recipe specifies a "half spoon" measurement, you would fill the spoon halfway, again making sure the ingredient is level with the top of the spoon.
To sum it up, the general rule of thumb is to keep the ingredient level with the top edge of the spoon for both full and half measurements. This consistency ensures precision in your cooking and replicates the intended ratios in Delia's recipes.
I hope this explanation clarifies the confusion. If you have any more questions or need further clarification on any culinary topic, feel free to ask. Happy cooking!
FAQs
In both the British and American variants of the Apothecaries' system, two tea-spoons make a dessert-spoon, while two dessert-spoons make a table-spoon.
What are the measurements on a spoon? ›
United States. In the U.S., measuring spoons often come in sets, usually between four and six. This usually includes ¼, ½, and 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon. The volume of a traditional US teaspoon is 4.9 ml and that of a tablespoon is 14.8 ml, only slightly less than standard metric measuring spoons.
What are the sizes of spoons in order? ›
Common Conversions from Cups to Tablespoon and Teaspoon
The typical spoon sizes are 1 tablespoon, 1/2 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon and 1/4 teaspoon.
What are the measuring spoon list? ›
Most measuring spoons come in sets of four or six. A set of four measuring spoons includes ¼ teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon sizes. A set of six measuring spoons usually includes ⅛ teaspoon, ¼ teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, ½ tablespoon, and 1 tablespoon sizes.
What is the size difference between tablespoon and dessert spoon? ›
In the UK a teaspoon is 5ml, a dessertspoon is 10ml and a tablespoon is 15ml but as Delia started developing recipes before measuring spoons were common place she always uses a kitchen spoon as a tablespoon so in Delia's recipes, where she says tablespoon it is the equivalent to 20mls (or 2 dessertspoons).
Is a regular spoon 1 tablespoon? ›
A typical large dinner spoon is about 1 tablespoon in size. It is not often the case, but some might consider the dinner spoon as the one used towards a normal bowl of soup or cereal. At any rate, it is not to be confused with a regular spoon for the amount of 1 tablespoon is a bit larger than a regular one.
What size spoon is a tbsp? ›
One tablespoon is equal to 3 teaspoons, or 1/16 of a cup. If you're measuring liquids, 1 tbsp equals around 15 mL. Roughly approximate the tip of your thumb to be the same size as a 1 tbsp portion.
Which measure equals 1 table spoon? ›
One tablespoon is equal to a 1/2 fluid ounce, 1/16 cup, or 3 teaspoons.
What does 1 bar spoon measure? ›
A bar spoon holds about 5 millilitres of liquid (the same as a conventional teaspoon).
How big is a dessert spoon? ›
It's larger than a teaspoon but smaller than a tablespoon, measuring approximately 10 milliliters. The name “dessert spoon” stems from its original purpose—serving desserts.
Both round measuring spoons and rectangular measuring spoons are easy to find. Though each shape can be used for either liquid or dry ingredients, some cooks prefer the rectangular shape for scooping dry ingredients.
What are the four basic sizes of measuring spoons? ›
Standard measuring spoons typically come in four sizes: 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon.
What are the standard measuring spoon sizes in order from smallest to largest? ›
Order of Measuring Cups
Similarly, the standard measuring spoon sizes in cooking from smallest to largest are 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 tablespoon, and 1 tablespoon.
Which spoon is 5? ›
1cc = 1ml. 1 standardised teaspoon = 5ml. 1 standardised tablespoon = 15ml.
Are all spoons the same size? ›
Spoons vary in length (11", 13", 15", 18", 21") for ease of use in cooking or serving.
How can I measure 1 tablespoon? ›
The most accurate way to measure a tablespoon is to use a measuring spoon. If you don't have a measuring spoon, you can use measurement equivalents. For example, 3 level teaspoons makes 1 tablespoon. 1/16 of a cup is also equivalent to 1 tablespoon, and 15 ml of any liquid is equal to 1 tablespoon.
What spoon equals a tablespoon? ›
A typical large dinner spoon is about 1 tablespoon in size. It is not often the case, but some might consider the dinner spoon as the one used towards a normal bowl of soup or cereal.
What spoon is a tablespoon? ›
In a traditional flatware set, the tablespoon is the largest spoon used at the table. If you don't have a measuring spoon on hand, you can use a flatware tablespoon to approximate a tablespoon in some recipes.
How many serving spoons is a tablespoon? ›
3 tsp = 1 Tblsp. A typical diner spoon or long handled iced tea spoon is about a teaspoon. A soup spoon is approximately a tablespoon. You could verify your own utensils with a set of measuring spoons.
