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

2

Replies

  • blankiefinder
    blankiefinder Posts: 3,599 Member
    It's not rocket science.

    Open a new bottle, estimate how much you're using, add to MFP.
    When you get to the end of the bottle you can total how many ml you've recorded and add or subtract the difference to equal the ml in the bottle

    I do that with Nutella to keep myself honest. Only works if you're not sharing the bottle with anyone else though.
  • Timorous_Beastie
    Timorous_Beastie Posts: 595 Member
    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.
  • blankiefinder
    blankiefinder Posts: 3,599 Member
    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.

    Good point. Your local pharmacist might give you one for free
  • MireyGal76
    MireyGal76 Posts: 7,334 Member
    I didn't have ranch, only thousand Island... So it may spread out a little more.

    Basically... 2.5"x3"

    jiz46w5540bm.jpg
  • ForeverSunshine09
    ForeverSunshine09 Posts: 966 Member
    Dollar tree has all kinds of kitchen gadgets. I go there for extra silverware, plates, bowls, measuring spoons and cups, spatulas. Awesome stuff!
  • DrWhoIsYerDad
    DrWhoIsYerDad Posts: 263 Member
    edited May 2015
    When you can afford a scale I'd recommend getting one.
  • DeeVanderbles
    DeeVanderbles Posts: 589 Member
    I haven't been into Dollar Tree in a long time but I do know for sure that I recently bought measuring spoons from Dollar General for $1. :smile:
  • debsdoingthis
    debsdoingthis Posts: 454 Member
    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.

  • BigLifter10
    BigLifter10 Posts: 1,153 Member
    There is a convenience store near me that has little plastic cups (1 Tablespoon sized) for ketchup and mustard. Maybe there is one near you that serves food that also has them. You could pick one up, ask if they know the portion size (they may or may not) but then they can measure for you if it's not a busy time of day. The people that go to the one near me are very health conscious and it has been done there. Since you probably aren't near this store, it's at least worth a shot to see if you are near one. You could then take it with you (they are cheap, plastic things) and use it to measure your dressing. Just an idea.
  • thursdayswoman
    thursdayswoman Posts: 60 Member
    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.
  • paris458
    paris458 Posts: 229 Member
    what state do you live in? I will buy you spoons and cups.
  • kikichewie
    kikichewie Posts: 276 Member
    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!
  • PopeyeCT
    PopeyeCT Posts: 249 Member
    Verity1111 wrote: »
    I literally do not have $1

    I've been where you are. It gets better! Look at eat day as a challenging adventure, and each night when you're done and you make it to bed it's another victory.

    If you have measuring cups, there are 16 tablespoons in a cup. Which means 4 tablespoons in a 1/4 c. measuring cup. So half of the 1/4c measuring cup is 2 tablespoons.

    Also...thriftshops and yard sales are great for random dishes and such for a dime. Who cares if they don't match?

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  • Azexas
    Azexas Posts: 4,334 Member
    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.
  • paris458
    paris458 Posts: 229 Member
    paris458 wrote: »
    what state do you live in? I will buy you spoons and cups.

    It's possible to send stuff via amazon as well, if she has a wishlist set with her address and said measuring cups/spoons on it. (the address is not visible to the sender) Might be slightly more convenient.

    okay I can do that too. OP can you send me a message and I can help you out?
  • sea_munky
    sea_munky Posts: 1 Member
    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.
  • minizebu
    minizebu Posts: 2,716 Member
    I haven't read through this thread, so I don't know if someone has already suggested this, but if you open a bottle of ranch dressing and pour the dressing into the lid of the bottle, then that is approximately one tablespoon, depending on the brand/bottle.

  • hmrambling
    hmrambling Posts: 321 Member
    edited May 2015
    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...
    LLDTC1U.jpg
  • Tubbs216
    Tubbs216 Posts: 6,597 Member
    Do you have any measuring spoons or cups in your medicine cabinet - the ones for children's medicine or cough syrup? Same measurement.
  • lauraesh0384
    lauraesh0384 Posts: 463 Member
    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.
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    minizebu wrote: »
    I haven't read through this thread, so I don't know if someone has already suggested this, but if you open a bottle of ranch dressing and pour the dressing into the lid of the bottle, then that is approximately one tablespoon, depending on the brand/bottle.

    This is what I was going to suggest for measuring it for now.
  • NYBalbowa
    NYBalbowa Posts: 34 Member
    Check out Craigslist's Free Stuff section.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    MireyGal76 wrote: »
    I didn't have ranch, only thousand Island... So it may spread out a little more.

    Basically... 2.5"x3"

    jiz46w5540bm.jpg

    I have never seen GREEN thousand island dressing!

  • yvonnejobin1
    yvonnejobin1 Posts: 10 Member
    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 :-)
  • MireyGal76
    MireyGal76 Posts: 7,334 Member
    MireyGal76 wrote: »
    I didn't have ranch, only thousand Island... So it may spread out a little more.

    Basically... 2.5"x3"

    jiz46w5540bm.jpg

    I have never seen GREEN thousand island dressing!

    Meh... Early morning light. Not green.
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    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
  • tekkiechikk
    tekkiechikk Posts: 375 Member
    edited May 2015
    http://www.Freecycle.org

    Find a local group and join. Ask if anybody has some of the basics you need, such as measuring spoons and cups. And the best part? Everything is F-R-E-E.
  • mkakids
    mkakids Posts: 1,913 Member
    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.
  • Verity1111
    Verity1111 Posts: 3,309 Member
    mkakids wrote: »
    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.

    That sounds delicious. Thank you. :)
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