A Note on the Measurements

The recipes in this book use the American cup and spoon measures. Each measure is smaller than its UK equivalent. An American cup holds 8 fluid ounces (225 ml); 2 cups, or 16 fluid ounces (450 ml), make one American pint. One American teaspoon or tablespoon equals ⅘ of the equivalent standard UK spoon measures; an American tablespoon equals ½ fluid ounce.

It is customary in America to use volume measures for some dry foods such as flour, sugar and shortening. Thus you will find, for instance, a butter measure given as ¼ cup. If a recipe calls for, say, ½ cup flour or sugar, pour the ingredient into a measuring cup up to the 4-oz mark, making sure that it is level. For butter, use a weight equivalent according to the table below.