How to Multiply & Divide Cooking Measurements
- 1). Re-write the ingredient list.
There's a temptation to say "I'll just use twice as much of everything," but it's easy to forget to double some ingredients while remembering others, which throws everything off. Writing the new amounts makes it easier to do everything accurately. - 2). Multiply every ingredient amount by the necessary factor. If the recipe serves six and only two people are eating, multiply every amount by 1/3. If it's a recipe for four and eight people are invited to dinner, multiply everything by 2.
- 3). Go through the new list and look for conversions. For example, if a full biscuit recipe calls for a tablespoon of baking soda, and only a third of a recipe is wanted, the new amount is 1/3 T. An online conversion page, such as the one from goodcooking.com, will tell you that 1/3 of a tablespoon equals one teaspoon.
- 4). Look for equivalences. Multiplying or dividing quantities can result in some unwieldy-looking measurements, such as 12 tablespoons of butter. Convert that to something easier to work with, such as 1 1/2 sticks, or 3/4 of a cup.
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