blake murphy wrote:

> On Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:45:06 -0600, MaryL wrote:
>
>
>>"Wayne Boatwright" > wrote in message
. 185.247...
>>
>>>That would be the same assumption that both my grandmothers and my mother
>>>would have made. I think their logic was, if it's a pie it has a crust,
>>>so
>>>make one. :-)
>>>
>>>--
>>>Wayne Boatwright
>>>
>>
>>My grandmother -- who made great cakes and pies, including rhubarb -- was
>>even less precise than that. She would say to add "a handful of this," "a
>>pinch of that," etc.
>>
>>MaryL
>
>
> forgive me if i repost one of my favorite stories:
>
> someone was transcribing their mother's recipes, a woman who didn't
> measure.
>
> 'then add a little water...'
>
> 'mom, *how much* water?'
>
> she looks thoughtful for a moment, and then says 'about a mouthful.'
>
> your pal,
> blake

Blech!

My son is not good about remembering exact quantities but that's okay
because I'm not good about using them. I use the palm of my hand to
measure salt, pepper and spices. I measure whatever it is out in my
hand then pour it into his hand, showing him how to cup his palm so he
can see and feel what that measure is like - his paw is broader than
mine so just seeing me do it isn't enough. He also knows to sniff dried
herbs and spices for freshness, and up the quantity if they are losing
potency.