In your kitchen, is a written recipe a rule or simply a suggestion?

[helenbacque]

Just cooking for myself, I sometimes get 'creative' especially if I don't have a minor ingredient. Some winners, some not. Biggest problem is when I've gone the creative route and it turned out to be especially good and I've forgotten just what I added to make it different.

The crock-pot holds such a creation today. If it is good enough for company, I'll never be able to repeat it. Isn't life exciting?

 

[Marie5656]

It depends. If it is a new recipe, I will usually follow it to the letter, to see how I like it. Later, if it is a good one, I may adapt it, or switch things around. Sometimes I will take an idea from a written recipe, and try to make something else. I have done several crock pot creations. Usually soups or stews. My soups are usually a "what do I need to use from the freezer" special.
Of course once I did create a soup that turned out great, and my fussy husband loved it. Could not recreate it to save my life.

 

[Ruth n Jersey]

If I am baking I always go by the recipe. Cookies, I may vary the add ins. Casseroles is where I go crazy. Anything could turn up in them. Stews and soups as well. I do like to try different methods of cooking though. An example is fish. I've fried,broiled,micro waved, grilled and poached. Same with some meats.

 

[terry123]

If its a new recipe I follow to the letter. But the next time I make it I will probably change to my liking.

 

[Camper6]

It's really tough adjusting a recipe from a serving of four to a serving of one.

Some recipe sites allow it. Others don't . I have had success cutting it in half.

 

[HazyDavey]

I'll print out a new recipe, tape it to the kitchen wall, and try to follow it close the first time.
Then after that first time, I might try some different things that sound good..

 

[nvtribefan]

It depends on what I am making. Cooking is science, after all.

 

[Butterfly]

When baking, I pretty much follow a recipe. Otherwise, not so much.

 

[Camper6]

Most of the time when I try to change the recipe, it turns out to be a disaster.

One has to remember. Baking is chemistry. Baking soda, Baking powder, yeast, etc. are chemicals.

Recipes are carefully crafted to produce maximum results.

Cooking is different. You can watch a steak in action and adjust the heat. With a cake you are fully committed.

 

[debbie in seattle]

I'm a 'follow the recipe' gal.

 

[RadishRose]

If the recipe is completely to my liking I will follow it. Very often, I will change something to what I know I'll like better.

 

[Aunt Bea]

A recipe is a good place to start.

 

[Catlady]

The first time I try a recipe I usually follow it to a T. Sometimes, though, after I read the comments and a lot of the posters are saying the same thing (i.e. too much salt or too much water etc), then I will follow their suggestions. It annoys me when posters change the recipe drastically to the point where it's an entirely different recipe. Of course, after the first try I might make a couple of changes if I need them.

 

[Lc jones]

A recipe is a good place to start.

I agree with you Aunt Bea I’ll always try the original recipe and then the second time I do it I’ll tweak it and add or delete items that I feel did not enhance the taste. The initial recipe as a springboard for all kinds of creativity.