Good morning. On cookwell.com, we don’t write recipes with cups or teaspoons. In general, we prefer teaching people to cook via ratios or general amounts that teach intuition. When amounts matter, we’ll provide exact weights in grams.

• Why? Using a scale and going by weight is just…easier and better. We explain the main benefits below!

RECIPE BREAKDOWN🤯

Using a scale instead of measuring cups

Using a kitchen scale can be much easier than measuring cups once you get comfortable with it.

Here's why:

1 — Less cleanup

• No need to wash multiple measuring cups

• Simply place a bowl on the scale, tare it, and add ingredients

• You'll only use 1-2 bowls instead of multiple measuring tools

2 — More accurate

• Scales give consistent measurements, unlike measuring cups

• Ingredients like flour vary in density depending on how tightly they're packed in cups

  • Salt varies a ton in density, so tsp, tbsp are incredibly variable in recipes. Instead, just learn to use 1-2% salt by weight when cooking.

3 — Scaling

• Makes it simple to increase or decrease recipe quantities

• Easier to double a recipe with scale measurements

On all of our Cook Well recipes we provide measurements in grams for easy scaling. If something doesn’t require a specific amount, well instead give a suggested loose measurement (”a handful”), which signals you can use a wide range of that ingredient and have success.

RECIPE RECOMMENDATIONS ✅

Our best baking recipes

In particular, baking becomes so much easier once you start using a scale for everything. Here are some of our fan favorite recipes, all developed to use scales with measurements in grams:

READER Q&A 🧠

Re-using frying oil

Answer: You can typically reuse oil 3-10 times, depending on what you're frying.

• Meat or foods with fine breading or batter particles (like fried chicken) will cause the oil to break down more quickly (versus something like potato chips, which doesn’t effect the oild as much)

There’s no exact rule or answer for this! However, there are some signs to follow to tell whether or not you should replace the oil or keep using it:

1. Foam on the surface

2. Smells rancid

3. All around looks bad

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to discard the oil. If not, strain and clean it for reuse. Keep in mind that even with proper care, oil will eventually deteriorate.

Store used oil in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to prevent it from becoming rancid. Keep it away from the stove, as heat speeds up spoilage.

Check out Ethan’s video on deep frying mistakes if you want to learn more.

Have a culinary question? Reply to send it in for a chance to be featured and get your question answered.

WINNING READER SUBMISSION 🏆

Asparagus risotto

This week’s dinner winner is Ariel S., who made Asparagus risotto with burrata, pecorino, and crispy prosciutto.

Reply with your best home-cooked food photos for a chance to win & be featured!

EXTRA HELPINGS 🍽️

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