Wisconsin Forums

[MrKhay]

Knowing how to follow and read your recipe will help make your cooking or baking experience a success. Properly preparing your ingredients, using proper cooking times and temperatures, and proper bakeware or cookware all assist in the success of your end product.

Reading the Recipe
Before you begin cooking or baking, read the recipe completely through to the end. Read through the ingredient list and read all instructions. This will allow you to be prepared for any special steps that must be taken. Some of the recipe details that will affect the process, preparation and timing are listed below:
# Several of the ingredients may have to be prepared in a certain manner, such as melting or softening butter, melting chocolate, chopping and dicing of ingredients, precooking, or an ingredient may need to be precooked and then cooled before adding to other ingredients.
# A number of the ingredients may need to be added together and mixed or baked before other ingredients can be added. Such as the ingredients for a crust to a dessert may be mixed and baked before anything is produced with the other ingredients or parts of a salad may be mixed together and then require refrigeration overnight before other ingredients are added.
# Some ingredients need to be added quickly at a critical point in the process. Be sure these ingredients are measured and ready to add ahead of time.
# The ingredient list may indicate the entire amount needed for one ingredient but the instructions may indicate that a portion of the ingredient is used in one step and the remainder in another.
# Read the ingredient list and make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and the quantity required before you start. If you do not have an ingredient, check the Food Substitution chart to see if you have a substitution that would work in place of the original ingredient.
# Read the recipe carefully for any special indicators stated about doneness. Such as "cook until golden brown," or "bake until sides loosen from edge of pan." Use the cooking time stated as a guide to how long to cook but use the doneness indicators as a true sign of proper doneness.