Can you measure two tbsp of ranch on a plate for me?

Do you have any of the little measuring cups that come with liquid cold medicine? (Nyquil, cough syrup, etc.) Most of those show the amount in tablespoons and milliliters.

I didn't have ranch, only thousand Island... So it may spread out a little more.

Basically... 2.5"x3"

When you can afford a scale I'd recommend getting one.

Verity1111 wrote: »

JarethG wrote: »

just use less ranch, you don't need it.

You have spoons I'm sure, yes? Use those to approximate.

I don't need to use a lot at once, but I use it often. I really won't eat most things without certain condiments.. like nothing without hot sauce. Not even a sandwich. I have small spoons. I was told three is 1tbsp so I'll try that too. Thank you for the input.

Ranch with a little hot sauce added to it is to die for! You can also if needed, thin out the ranch with a tiny bit of milk to make it go further.

Liftng4Lis wrote: »

Verity1111 wrote: »

Do you know if dollar tree sells them generally? I don't really go to dollar stores, but they just opened one nearby. Maybe I can drag my kids in the morning lol ask my bf to borrow $1 from our rent until Friday.

Okay you SERIOUSLY need to go check out the dollar store. They have things like Reynolds wrap and cleaning supplies, plus toiletries for a dollar. Definitely a must, for someone on a budget. I would just wait until you've been paid and start your weekly/monthly shopping there.

Do be careful though! Some dollar stores (Dollar Tree especially) get special packages of various goods that hold less. So for example, a roll of toilet paper at the Dollar Tree will have fewer sheets than one from a non-discount store, and there will be fewer ziplocs in the package even if they're brand name. It's definitely worth shopping around to compare prices and see what's worth it and what's not.

When you're on a budget, every penny counts. I did without measuring spoons for a lot of years, by eyeballing things. Of course I learned to do that by seeing other people...which was what was being asked for here.

Couldn't do without the internet thought...since, you know, the internet is necessary to doing things like finding a job and finishing school.

You can get a decent set of measuring spoons for $1 at any of the dollar store out there. They all have them as well as sets of measuring cups. They will go a long way toward helping you reach your goals. A scale is nice, but a luxury in this case, I think. You're starting out with a great attitude - getting creative with what you've got and using your resources. Don't get discouraged. This is one of the best investments you can make for yourself and your family, so you are on the right track and already succeeding!! I don't know you, but I'm damned proud of you for putting this question out there and sticking with it to get some good answers (mixed in with the stuff better off ignored). Yay for you!

OP,

I'm not sure what state you are in, but there may be some additional assistance programs you can look into that may be able to provide you with a food scale and some measuring cups. I would try to contact your town/city government to see if they know something. I would tell them it would be beneficial for your children's nutritional needs. Not sure if it would work, but it's worth a shot.

A food scale from Amazon will run you about $15 for a good digital one. I know it may be hard, but it would be worth the investment.

You know those cups of dipping sauce they give away at fast food places? For example, Jack in the Box has "Buttermilk House Sauce" that they give you if you ask for Ranch. Well, that dipping cup is about 1.5 tablespoons. So you can have that much and 1/3 more. Hope that helps.

Is there an empty soda can laying around the house? Wash the bottom side of the can. Turn the can upside down. That depression in the bottom of the can measures exactly 1 tablespoon. Source: http://theboatgalley.com/measuring-spoons/

OR here's this...

I make my own Ranch dressing since store bought has too much crap in it that's bad for you. It's not as creamy as store bought, but two tablespoons is only 100 calories. I find that since it's not as thick, it distributes over my salad better and I don't need to use more.

Check out Craigslist's Free Stuff section.

I know this has nothing to do with the measurement, but it's a helpful calorie cutting tip... Walmart sells bolthouse brand ranch dressing in the salad section. Its made from Greek yogurt, so it's much lower in calories (I think it's 45 calories per serving) and tastes just as good as hidden valley. Totally worth a try :-)

yvonnejobin1 wrote: »

I know this has nothing to do with the measurement, but it's a helpful calorie cutting tip... Walmart sells bolthouse brand ranch dressing in the salad section. Its made from Greek yogurt, so it's much lower in calories (I think it's 45 calories per serving) and tastes just as good as hidden valley. Totally worth a try :-)

While your suggestion is great, the cost of that dressing is far more for less than if she bought Hidden Valley.
if you can't find a buck or two for a cheap measuring set, I don't think the more expensive dressing will work.

OP, you've received some great suggestions here. If I had ranch, I would've measured some for you. But ranch isn't really my thing.

You've got great spirit, good luck

Verity1111 wrote: »

MireyGal76 wrote: »

Pick up a set of measuring spoons from the dollar store... As for the ranch. I love the stuff too, but it is high in cals.. So I often put two tbsp in a container and add two tbsp water and shake... Makes it last twice as long and still has the ranch flavour... And less cals to boot.

I literally do not have $1...but maybe Friday since it's pay day. We already took money from rent. I guess I could do that..but priorities. I'll have to see what we get Friday (family wise). That's a great idea with the water. I could try that... Or maybe add low calorie hot sauce and part water lol that would work even better for me. Yum.

The dollar tree by me has a zero cal buffalo sauce which is really quite good. Especially mixed 50/50 with ranch.