Cooking Spray Is Key To Preventing Sticky Measuring Spoons

While there are countless ways to cook with honey, if you've ever tried to measure it, you're likely familiar with how frustratingly sticky this ingredient can be. Honey's high sugar-to-water ratio makes it thick and resistant to movement or shape changes, while its extremely hydrophilic bonds cause it to adhere to virtually any surface it encounters.

So, how do you manage this stubborn ingredient without it clinging to your utensils? The simplest method is to prevent the honey from directly contacting the measuring equipment — first apply a thin layer of cooking spray (or a neutral substitute like vegetable oil) to the tools' surface. The honey will glide right off the cooking spray, leaving your utensils clean. Washing the spoon with a bit of soap will remove the oil residue as well. With this technique, you can achieve precise measurements for sticky ingredients without the hassle of a difficult cleanup.

This trick isn't limited to honey; it applies to other sticky substances as well. Grease measuring cups and spoons before pouring molasses, peanut butter, syrup, shortening, and sticky batters to reduce mess and ensure accuracy. After all, your recipe won't receive the full amount it requires if half the ingredient remains stuck to the surface.

While cooking spray is a straightforward method to prevent honey and other sticky substances from clinging to your measuring tools, there are alternative techniques as well. One such method involves filling your measuring cup with hot water, or immersing your spoons in it. After pouring out the water, don't dry the tool. The heat from the water helps thin the ingredient you're measuring, and the residual water acts similarly to cooking spray, allowing the ingredient to slide out more easily.

For enhanced effectiveness, consider submerging the container of the ingredient, like a jar of peanut butter, in hot water for a few minutes to decrease its viscosity. The more you reduce the thickness of the peanut butter, the simpler it will be to measure and clean. (Pro tip: You can also use oil to prevent sticky lids from getting stuck after use.) Just remember to wash your utensils with soap, and you're all set to continue with your baking endeavors.