A Pinch, A Smidge, A Dollop, and a Handful – Helpful Measurement Conversions

Isn’t it funny how grandmothers around the world seem to rely on pinches (and not just for cute children’s cheeks!).

How much nutmeg do you add to your egg noodles, Grandma?  A pinch.

How much pepper should I season the salad dressing with?  A smidge. 

Should I add sour cream to the potato salad?  Add a dollop or two.

How much brown sugar should I add to the oatmeal? Just a handful.

So exactly how much is a pinch, a smidge and a dollop?  In my professional estimation (see me smiling here?),  a pinch is about 1/4 teaspoon and so is a smidge.  A dollop is about a heaping Tablespoon. And assuming that your grandmother was of normal size, a handful is most likely around 1/3-1/2 cup.

But if you’re wanting to measure ingredients in the actual cookbook world where precise measurements count, use this handy chart to help you with conversions and make the most of your kitchen tools.

This post was previously published on Savor the Salt.