Ladles

Most people probably don’t realize that ladles come in sizes and can be used to measure ingredients. A 1-cup ladle is the most common size, although I also use ½-cup and ¼-cup ladles. The size is often marked (in ounces) on the ladle’s handle.

A ladle is particularly useful for transferring a measured amount of hot liquid from one pot to another. Instead of pouring the hot liquid into a measuring cup and then into your pan or work bowl, simply ladle out what you need.

I often use a ladle for making rice pilaf, which is made with two parts water or stock to one part rice. Just measure the rice in the ladle, then scoop up twice as much liquid to pour over the rice.