Hands on measuring

Hands+on+measuring

Jake Fredericks

Raydar-online
No measuring spoons? The relative sizes of coins can help when in a pinch. Photo by Jake Fredericks / Chief in Residence

 Measuring a teaspoon and tablespoon in your hand next to comparisons of coins

  • ½ teaspoon: dime
  • 1 teaspoon: penny
  • ½ tablespoon: nickel
  • 1 tablespoon: quarter

Using your hand to test the temperature and doneness of a steak

  • Raw uncooked Remove from packaging and thaw to room temperature
  • Blue 115-120°F Touch fleshy part of hand (top) between index finger and thumb
  • Rare 125-130°F Touch fleshy part of palm adjacent to and 1” away from thumb
  • Medium rare 130-140°F Touch index finger and thumb together and 1” away from thumb
  • Medium 140-150°F Touch middle finger and thumb together and 1” away from thumb
  • Medium well 150-155°F Touch ring finger and thumb together and 1” away from thumb
  • Well done 155-160°F Touch pinky finger and thumb together and 1” away from thumb
  • Overcook 160°F+ Should resemble an old sneaker with the density of a hockey puck