How to Write Recipes

Many food blogs are mostly recipe posts- and that’s why we love them. Recipes written by the cook, whether original or from another source and tweaked to perfection, are always more personal and, many times, just better.

When writing your recipes down for other, it’s always a good idea to stick to what I like to call “Recipe Writing Standards”:

Always start with the recipe Title, Number of Servings, and Serving Size

Give your recipe a good, descriptive title. For example, Salted Caramel-filled Chocolate Cupcakes with Truffle Frosting is much better than Mary’s To-Die-For Cupcakes.

Begin with a List of Ingredients

Keep these in mind when listing your ingredients:

• List ingredients in order of use.
• Use numerals. Example: 10 eggs instead of ten eggs. This goes for writing out your Method as well.
• Spell out all measurements. teaspoons instead of tsps.
• Use lowercase, unless you’re referring to proper names. Examples: bittersweet chocolate or Callebaut bittersweet chocolate.
• Include simple prep instructions after the ingredient. Examples: chicken breast, diced or cheddar cheese, grated.
• List necessary equipment. Example: 2 9-inch cake tins

Write out your Method or Process

Tips for writing out the process of your recipe:

• For oven-baked dishes, always begin with a preheating instruction. Example: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Use paragraphs. A recipe written as one long paragraph is very difficult to follow. Break up the process into steps, and use separate paragraphs for each.
• Include sizes of bowls and pans. Examples: In a large bowl… or In a medium frying pan…
• Approximate times and include visual clues and cues. Example: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Include storage instructions and/or shelf-life details. Example: Keeps in an airtight container for 2 weeks.

Strive to Write Better Recipes

The following tips are not necessary, but are always nice:

• Include step by step photos. At the very least, include a photo of the finished product.
• After the title and serving information, write a short description or story behind the recipe.
• Include ingredient or equipment substitutions. Examples: pastry flour or all-purpose flour, 1 9-inch cake tin or 2 loaf pans
• At the end of the recipe, include tips for success and/or options for “gilding the lily”. Example: Try rolling your truffles in crushed walnuts instead of cocoa powder.

What are your recipe writing tips?