How to Follow a Recipe - Tips and Tricks

Following a recipe can be confusing for a beginner and even tough recipes can be hard to follow for experienced cooks. Most recipes are pretty straight forward but they can be messed up pretty easily if you're not prepared. Here are some tips you may find helpful when tackling a recipe for the first time or one that's semi-complicated or intricate.

Read the Recipe
Although it may seem like common sense to read the recipe first, many people don't and this is usually where most problems stem from. There's nothing worse than getting halfway through a recipe only to discover you don't have enough eggs, or the yeast isn't ready, or you don't have the proper supplies. By reading the recipe in it's entirety you will know before starting if you have enough of the right ingredients and all the right tools. When reading the recipe go through your cabinets and refrigerator to make sure you have enough of everything and that you have the right gadgets before beginning.

Prepare Ingredients and Supplies
When following a recipe, especially one you're not familiar with it's often beneficial to pre-measure ingredients and have all of your kitchen tools set up, and ready to use. By preparing ahead of time you won't have to stop in the middle of your recipe to measure ingredients or set up appliances. Make sure you have enough ingredients and pre-measure them into bowls or dishes so they're ready to use.

If you're recipe calls for eggs, butter, milk, or any other cold ingredients it is usually best to let them come to room temperature first. If the recipe calls for yeast prepare it ahead of time in a small bowl so you can just add it when called for. If the recipe calls for sifting flour or premixing dry ingredients you will also want to do this ahead of time. If you need to grease/flour any pans you will also want to do this before you start mixing ingredients or cooking. It is also recommended to preheat your oven when baking and preheat your pan if you are frying or using oil.