Cooking constantly tests and stretches our math abilities. 3/8 teaspoons times 7? And wait - how many tablespoons is that now? Quick! The batter is waiting! Thank goodness for conversion charts and Google Calculator.
There's one more online tool we find indispensable - especially when doubling, halving, or multiplying a recipe (wedding cake, say) to feed a crowd.
This resource is low-key and easy to use, but it will make your life so much easier when cooking for a crowd. It's called the Recipe Quantity Calculator, and it takes in the recipe you want to multiply and does all the challenging math work for you.
We like how flexible it is; you can use your own units or the pre-programmed ones. You can also multiply recipes by any factor you like, which means you can halve, or divide by eight, or multiply by 29. Whatever - this takes some of the head scratching out. Because, even if you're very competent at math, recipes can be a little overwhelming sometimes with all their quantities and units. We've found this a very helpful tool when working on big meals or projects.
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I've had that calculator in my favorites for a couple years, it's a real lifesaver! When I use it I don't have to worry that I'll leave something out, or use too much. I just copy and paste the recipe, convert it, and print out the new one. Great tool!
view bobcatsteph3's profile
Oh, I am forever trying to scale things down because 90% of the time I'm cooking for myself and everything "serves 6" or "serves 8".
If it tells you what size pan to use if you're making a tart for one, then I want to marry this calculator. You heard it here first.
view empresscallipygos's profile
This kitchen calculator is also fabulous http://www.chefdepot.net/kitchencalculator.htm I've had one for years and love it. You can type in 64 TBSP hit covert to cups and it will tell you exactly how many to add.
view stephseverson's profile