Exact measurements are an important factor in the success of cooking, therefore a definite understanding of what a cupful or a spoonful means is requisite. A cupful means one half pint. A tin cup holding this amount is as necessary as a quart measure in every kitchen. They can be bought for ten cents apiece in any house-furnishing store. A spoonful of butter, lard, sugar, or flour means a rounding spoonful, as much rising above the spoon as is held in the bowl. A spoonful of salt or spices means only as much as the bowl holds, the top being smoothed off with a knife.* One half spoonful means the half of the contents of the bowl divided lengthwise. A heaping spoonful means as much as the spoon can be made to hold. A table giving comparative weights and measures is given on page 387.

* Cooking schools have recently adopted the rule of using even spoonfuls for every spoon measurement. This ensures great exactness. - M. R.

Measuring Cup And Spoons.

1. Tin measuring cup holding one half-pint.

2. Spoonful of salt, pepper or spices. 3. One half spoonful.

4. Spoonful of flour, sugar, or butter. 5. Heaping spoonful. (See page 77).