ONE LEVEL TEASPOON:

I hate to admit it, but I have forgotten the place where I read a note the other day about the issue of using the measurement: one level teaspoon. The article was making the point that teaspoons differ in size, so the assumption is flawed that when cooking one can dip into the silver drawer, pull out a teaspoon, fill it, level it, and drop its contents into the recipe confidently . It might not be a big deal, except that when referring to high-flavor items such as salts, hot pepper, or wasabi it could be a serious game changer. In any case, the writer of the article suggested that to be safe, always use a measuring spoon and leave the silver spoon in the drawer, or in the baby's mouth.

The little article caught my attention as a cook, but also as a metaphor-conscious writer. In a recipe for disaster, for instance, casual decisions about what is included may be a matter of life or death. A level teaspoon of caution in mixing the ingredients of the concrete to be used in the construction of a highly-trafficked bridge could spell the difference between safety and deadly collapse.

Similarly, a cavalier approach to foreign diplomacy may determine whether an international agreement is reached or rejected. A simple flaw, like crossing one's leg in a Middle East meeting may signal offense to a participant and sour the deal. One's presence, good manners and due respect go out the window because the negotiator doesn't know that it is offensive in Middle Eastern culture to show the bottom of one's foot to someone. It is a signal of rejection.

Mis-reading one's personal relationship and crossing the line in intimate conversation can end a budding romance. Flowers, champagne, and tickets to a Broadway show can be wasted money if the inaccurate measurement of one's words leads to personal offense.

Risk-taking in political speeches is showing itself to be poor judgment when commenting on race. A badly-measured level teaspoon of intended humor or caustic commentary including such words as "Negro" can undermine a whole career in the U.S. Senate, despite years of good work on social legislation.

Best to stick to legitimate measuring devices and good editing.



Photo Credit: www.onlinetitanicmuseum.com/teaspoon.html