As a home baker, I think we overvalue digital scales

I get that scales help with precision, but for home baking, they're not always needed. I make cakes and breads using just cups and spoons, and they turn out great. This constant push for scales makes new bakers think they can't start without one. My own grandma baked for decades without ever touching a scale. Let's encourage people to bake with what they have. The joy of baking gets lost when we focus too much on tools.

3 comments

3 Comments

cameron_walker1d ago

My aunt used to make biscuits without any measuring cups at all. She'd just scoop flour with her hands and toss in pinches of salt and baking powder. Those were the fluffiest biscuits I've ever had, better than any recipe I followed to the gram. It taught me that sometimes feeling the dough tells you more than numbers on a scale. Now I mix by touch first, then check if I'm doubtful. Her way just captured the spirit of baking, you know?

the_mason16h ago

Absolutely, @cameron_walker, her method accounts for humidity changing flour weight.

derek_murray8h ago

Did I waste years measuring everything?