1. For liquids, always measure in a glass cup designed for liquids, with a pouring lip.

2. Read the measurement at eye level by placing the cup on a flat surface and viewing the measurement head on.

3. Use a dry measure for powders, such as flour, sugar, and baking powder.

4. Spoon or scoop the powder lightly into the cup.

5. Run a knife or spatula across the top to level the surface and scrape any excess back into the canister.

6. Measure brown sugar by packing it moderately firmly into a dry measure with the back of a spoon.

7. For sticky ingredients, coat the inside of a dry measure with nonstick cooking spray before filling for a quicker cleanup.

8. Use measuring spoons for dry ingredients like baking powder by filling and then leveling with the straight edge of a spatula or knife.

9. When you're cooking, interpret the recipe. If you like a little more seasoning in your stew, taste it first, then adjust. But when you are baking, bake to a formula. If a brownie recipe says to add a 1/2 teaspoon of salt, add exactly that much. Altering tested baking recipes will alter the flavor and texture.