The One with the Quick Clean-up Tip

One of my most helping kitchen tools is a little adujustable plastic measuring "cup" perfect for peanut butter, pureed pumpkin or shortening. 

The first time I used one of these simple gadgets was in my mother's-in-law kitchen. 

As soon as I ran across one in a cheap bin at a rummage sale, I snatched it up,

and boy have I been glad I did! 

Because it measures nearly any incremental amount all the way to 2 cups, it's versatile. 

It's perfect for those not-quite-liquid-not-quite-solid ingredients. 

It launches those tricky ingredients (like peanut butter) into your mixing bowl with ease. 

(I've always despised trying to scoop all of the peanut butter out of a measuring cup. 

BUT. 

As cool as this gadget is, I HATE cleaning it--mostly because I use it for those greasy, sticky ingredients that make cleaning a real chore. 

SO, I use handy dandy PLASTIC WRAP to make my job a cinch! 

First, I prepare my cup at the necessary measurement (i.e. get it ready for 1/2 cup or 2/3 cup or whatever.)

Then, I tear off a piece of plastic wrap that will be big enough to be pressed down and cover the bottom of the cup. 

Be sure to get it evenly spread across the bottom for accurate measurements!

I fill the cup with my ingredient of choice, push up the bottom of the cup to release the ingredients into the bowl then THROW AWAY  the mess! 

Awesome!

Works for me!