Random food question =P

This is a super random question but was just having this "debate" with a friend.

When the recipe/nutritional info calls for "1 tbsp" or "1 tsp", do they mean a flat tbsp or slightly rounded and higher?

Thus far, I've been flattening all mine (Philly cream cheese, sugar, etc), but my friend says it's rounded and can be a bit higher than just flat.

Just wondering how all you CC'ers interpret this? =)

Flat.

Unless the recipe states "a rounded tsp" or "a rounded tbsp", then it's flat and leveled off.

You win!

unless its baking powder or soda, I assume rounded. Then again, most of recipes are the family 'great-aunt annie's whatcha-do-dad' sort, so they're meant pretty generally.

Yeah, I think technically it should be flat but I think the presumed thing to do is a "general" tbsp or a "general" tsp

So they're both right?!

I did a search on the 'net and found this ... 

A tablespoon or   tbls., when referring to dry goods (i.e. flour etc.) usually means a rounded tablespoon. ( http://www.hintsandthings.co.uk/kitchen/measu res.htm )

However, my wife -- a cooking expert -- believes it means a flat tablespoon ... so I guess the issue is still in dispute!

The way I see it, if I'm baking something then I'll flatten it off. But if it's salad dressing (something I like lots of, lol) or something similiar, then I'll round it slightly.

Unless it states that it is rounded, I assume flat.

Though if at all possible I weigh with a digital scale. So much more accurate.

Measuring is measuring - a tablespoon is a tablespoon leveled-off (flat). If it's rounded, it's no longer ONE tablespoon, it's a tablespoon plus whatever amount that rounded part is. Try thinking about it this way: you've measured a cup of milk in a one-cup measuring cup ... if you run over, is all of that milk you poured still equal to one cup? No, it's one cup plus whatever spills out. Dry, creamy, grainy, liquid, gel ... measured is measured. The occasional rounded tablespoon or teaspoon probably won't matter,  but keep in mind that you can tell yourself all you want that it's still one tablespoon's worth of calories, but your body knows otherwise. For me, if I'm taking the time to measure and weigh my portions, I do it accurately or it's a waste of my time.

tattooed_kitty and you are right .  When measuring for calorie counting especially, you're only fooling yourself if you round up your tablespoons,  especially when it's something high in calories, like peanut butter or cream cheese.  The calories listed  are for the exact amount.  All those little 'overages" add up!  I agree, it's a waste of time to bother measuring if you don't do it honestly. 

here's another thread:  http://caloriecount.about.com/tablespoon-ft10 8892

As far as baking goes, I remember my home ec teacher making us level off......

Here's a video on the other thread that will drive the point home:

http://www.burnthefatblog.com/archives/2008/0 7/i_love_this_fat_loss_secret_vi.php

Show THAT to your friend!

I have always leveled off.  That's how my momma taught me.

I level differently tho, depending on my space constraints...sometimes I can level with a knife or the edge of a box..other times (like with pancake mixes, potato flakes, etc.) I go to just under the measurement line and shake til relatively level.

Also I saw something on youtube....it may have been a link from another thread here about measuring...that even going to the top of the lip of the measuring cup is "over".  Sorry I don't know what it's called or where the link is, but I'm sure can search for it.