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It may not surprise you to hear this, but I like to read blogs. I particularly like to read blogs by people who know more than I do. Which means I read a lot of blogs.

Not too long ago I was over at The Well Done Chef. I like this guy. He has strongly held opinions and he backs them up with real knowledge. That is a potent combination for respect in my mind.

A couple months ago he wrote a very helpful post listing 8 Reasons Why You Need To Use a Scale in Your Kitchen Today. The post stuck with me because in my heart and in my belly I know that using a scale is far easier, much quicker and amazingly more accurate.

But almost all the recipes I ever encounter use volume measurements, so I do too. I can just hear my mother now: "well, if everyone else jumped off a cliff would you jump off a cliff too?" The answer to that smart-assed question is "mom, I wouldn't jump off a cliff".

So why do I always use volume measurements just because everyone else does? I realize using volume measurements is not as dangerous as jumping off a cliff, but it's not really in my best interest.

Still months go by and I find myself washing out the same old Pyrex measuring cup wondering why I don't just toss it in the garbage. I can be rather dramatic that way...

But rather than doing exactly that, I hesitate. I vacillate. I come in here and cruise the blogs of people who know way more than I do. But why bother reading people who know way more than I do if I am just going to keep jumping off that same metaphorical cliff.

Which brings me to another one of those people who know way more than I do, Michael Ruhlman. I was over at his Open Sky Shop recently (pining away for his Vita-Mix 1700 Turbo 4500 blender) and I come across these words.

"A digital kitchen scale is one of the most valuable tools in the kitchen, especially when measuring flour. Recipes will work more consistently and you will dirty fewer dishes. Learn to weigh your ingredients and you will elevate your cooking, especially your baking."

Okay that's it! If it's good enough for him it's good enough for me. Well actually if it's good enough for him it's probably three times too good for me. But the point was made. So I (finally) got myself a kitchen scale.

The scale I chose is EatSmart Precision Pro Scale. It's compact and accurate. It comes in colors and looks great in my kitchen. I got black (big shock). Besides at $28 I don't know why I waited so long.

I am not saying I plan to give up my measuring cups cold turkey, but I can ease myself into becoming a better cook by using a scale. Besides one of my New Years Resolutions is to become a better baker. All good bakers use weight. They really do.

• EatSmart Precision Pro Sensor Technology
• Compact Design and easy two-button operation Tare Feature; Subtract the weight of any plate or container
• 4 measurement modes: grams / ounces / kilograms / pounds
• Max weight 11 pounds / 5 kilograms
• Auto-Calibration; 3 minute Auto-Turnoff
• 2 AAA batteries, included
• 2 year EatSmart guarantee
• FREE Calorie Factors book - helpful for calorie counting and portion control
• Perfect for everyday tasks from weighing food or ingredients to calculating postage

SERIOUS FUN FOOD

Greg Henry

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