Writing a good recipe for a dish is totally different from being able to cook the dish. Many people are very good cooks and prepare excellent dishes but when it comes to reproducing the dish they find it difficult to do. The reason being that the ingredients, measurements and the process of preparing are not documented in detail as they are done. There comes the importance of writing a recipe. You can reproduce any dish, you donât have to remember all the ingredients and processes by heart and it can also be published and shared with others. Here are some tips and ways in which a good recipe can be written.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time Required: 15-30 minutes
Resources Required: Details regarding exact ingredient
Instructions:
1. Name for the recipe: Give a name to your recipe. It need not be some fancy one and can be something simple which will depict the dish so that it can be differentiated from other recipes of similar type.
2. Detail the number of servings: This is very important as the number of serving will enable the person who is preparing the dish to half or double the ingredients as per the number of people.
3. Specify the number of various utensils which will be needed: This ensures that the person who is using the recipe arranges for the required utensils beforehand.
4. List down the ingredients: Always list the ingredients in the chronological order of their usage. The quantity of the ingredients also needs to be specified. Also mention whether the ingredients need to be defrosted, drained or chopped. Avoid abbreviations like 1 tsp instead of 1 teaspoon. Mention the temperature on which the broiler, oven or grill has to be preset.
6. Delineate the steps for preparing the dish: The step have to be mentioned in chronological order. While mentioning the steps, be very precise and specific in mentioning the cooking times, measurements and temperatures.
7. Mention the cooking time: You will have to mention the modifications that might have to be done. Also, mention ideas and suggestions for garnishing, finishing and presenting the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I make an antique recipe modern?
The things which you will have to consider while making an antique recipe modern are:
- Each statement of the recipe is to be written in separate section.
- Mention the ingredients and the amounts you will need. If there are no ingredients then mention the ingredient and amount from some modern recipe which is similar to the antique one.
- While mentioning the cooking process, modify the antique recipe method of cooking as per the appliances available today.
Quick Tips:
- If possible reduce salt, fats and any other ingredients which are not healthy.
- Wherever available mention the appetizers, side dishes or beverages that may complement your recipe.
- Mention the substitutions that can be used if any ingredient is not available.
- Use simple language and simple process.
- Add descriptions to explain the steps which cannot be explained in concrete and fixed measures. Like while sauteing onion, there is no fixed temperature or cooking time which can be specified. So, you need to add description that will enable the cook to understand.
Things To Watch Out For:
- If you are preparing food which consists of pathogens, prepare it in a safe manner, as they might cause illness.
- Be specific and check the words you use in the recipe. For example, 2 cup chopped onion will mean that you will chop the onion and then measure 2 cups. 2 cup onion, chopped, will mean that you measure 2 cups of onion and then chop them. There is huge difference between both the expressions. So, be very particular about the wordings you use in your recipe.
- Mention the measurements terminology used. For example, do not write 2 ounces of water but 1/4 cup water.
