What is three fifths in cooking?

In cooking, "three fifths" typically refers to a specific ratio of ingredients used in a recipe. It indicates that for every three parts of one ingredient, five parts of another ingredient should be used.

For example, if a recipe calls for "three-fifths cup of butter," it means you should use 3 parts of butter for every 5 parts of another ingredient, usually flour or sugar. So, for this measurement, you would need to use 3 tablespoons of butter for every 5 tablespoons of flour or sugar.

This ratio is often used in baking recipes, particularly when making cakes, cookies, or other pastries. By following the specified ratios, bakers can ensure that their ingredients are properly balanced, resulting in a consistent and successful final product.