Hi...I'm new to baking and have a dumb question. Do you sift the flour or confectioners sugar before measuring, or do you measure first and then sift? Thanks!

Hi and Welcome, Deanna1968.

Decoding CC acronyms:

http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-2926-.html

When measuring flour or confectioner's sugar, you should always aerate first, then gently spoon the flour/sugar into a measuring cup. Draw a knife across the top of the cup to level.

Don't scoop and drag your cup through the flour or powdered sugar; and don't shake off the excess to level - this will not give you accurate measurements.

How-to:

http://busycooks.about.com/od/stepbystep/ss/howtomeasuflour.htm

HTH

Thanks so much for your warm welcome and the help!! It was just what I needed!!