• Recognize a properly written recipe.

After you study the basics of a well-written recipe, you will be able to list problems in a poorly written recipe.

Before you proceed, you need to understand the components of a good, complete recipe. Have you ever tried to duplicate a recipe given to you by a neighbor or relative only to realize you don’t know what size of pudding box to use or at what temperature to bake the item? You probably haven’t had that problem with recipes from reputable cookbooks and magazines. A good recipe should:

• List ingredients in order of their use.
• Give exact measurements of all ingredients.
• Include simple, step-by-step directions listed in the order they must be completed.
• List the kind and size of equipment to be used.
• Give exact cooking time and temperature.
• State the number of servings/yield the recipe will make.

Now let’s look at how to tackle a recipe. You need to:

• Read the entire recipe all the way through before you begin.
• Check your supplies to see if you have all of the necessary ingredients. If not, are there simple substitutions you can make? (For example, you might substitute cooked chunk turkey for chicken in a soup recipe.)
• See if you have the right equipment to work with. Again, if not, is there a substitution you can make? (For example, you might substitute muffin tins for a loaf pan for banana bread.)
• Look up any ingredients that you are not familiar with.
• Get out all ingredients and equipment.
• Do as much preparation as you can prior to combining ingredients.
• Follow the recipe to the letter. Only the experienced cook can take liberties with or make changes in a recipe.