Deciding what constitutes a recipe might be likened to asking for instructions; some people are better off following a well-defined route, while others would rather stray and find their way. A recipe is more than just step-by-step directions and exact measurements for some home cooks. The assurance of knowing specifically what to do and when to do it relaxes them. Alternatively, other people choose to view recipes as a flexible structure or basis for inspiration, allowing them to experiment and alter the recipe to match their tastes and the ingredients they’ve got on hand.
Therefore, the meaning of a recipe can be as diverse as the cooks who follow them according to the word or who use them as a foundation for their creative kitchen explorations.
Recently, a couple of things have occurred to me that make me wonder—really—what a recipe is. The solution appears to be rather straightforward. A recipe is an ingredient list accompanied by preparation directions. However, there’s a lot of space for interpretation there.
The perfect formula truly depends on who your consumers are and what they want from you. The more you understand your target, the more adept you will be at creating a formula that meets their requirements. Check out your metrics: Which of your recipes are clicked on through email? through social media? which experience traffic from natural search?
Adapt It to Yourself
Some social media stars make meals and post calming videos of easy, homemade recipes to social media. They’re entertaining to see, and the cookbook benefits from their spontaneous style. In most recipes, ingredients are listed first, without any measurements, and then instructions.
It’s unlikely that your results will be the same as theirs. And as long as you’re satisfied with what winds up on your plate, that’s okay. In my opinion, if a cook requires precise measurements and a recipe every time they prepare, they don’t trust themselves. This strategy will confuse some people while inspiring others.
Also Read: How to read and follow a recipe?
Commit to a Recipe
Not everyone enjoys riffing-friendly recipes. It leaves too much up to the reader when suggestions are made for alternate cooking techniques or even ingredient replacements. Let’s be particular instead and develop recipes that produce food however the author sees fit. Those who are inclined to make changes will make them nevertheless. Those who aren’t will value the particulars.
Why would I want to take on the risk? Even a skilled chef adheres to their recipes at all times. And I would consider them to be a self-assured cook. Some of them have spent a great deal of time perfecting the recipe and are highly scientific in that they measure everything.
I adore adaptable recipes, but you get the idea. Let’s say a recipe aims to produce a specific result. In that scenario, you must include all the information a reader could require, including precise measurements and easy-to-follow instructions. Furthermore, no recipe can accommodate every dietary requirement, every sensitivity, and every palette.
Verdict
The optimal strategy ultimately depends on your audience and what they anticipate from you. The most considerate recipe developers make sure that each item is included and that each step has a purpose.
When creating a recipe, I try to think about who it’s for and where it will reside. On the more detailed side, especially if it’s intended for a broad general audience with a variety of cooking abilities. The greatest dishes in the situation are simple. Reusable recipes are a selling advantage for a meal-planning service, as users value options.
