Basics - flour, sugar

• A pound of flour is about 4 cups sifted.
• A pound of granulated sugar is 2¼ cups.
• Aerosol whipped cream contains a lot more air than does cream that you whip yourself, so it collapses rapidly. It’s fine for sqwootching onto a piece of pie when you serve it, but not for decorating desserts to be served later. At least not if you want them to look decorated.