Don’t know how to read a recipe card? Follow me for some info….
There are Six parts to a recipe:
Ingredient List
Cooking equipment needed
Directions
Cooking Time
Cooking Temperature
Yield
Ingredient List:
This list tells you the ingredients and amounts you will need. Start by reading the ingredients list and compare it to the foods you already have on hand in your pantry, cupboards and fridge. Gather each item before you get started, and to make it easier, you can arrange each item in the order needed. This ingredient list will save you time. If you don’t have an ingredient on hand, you will need to add it to your shopping list to purchase at the store.
Cooking Equipment Needed:
Most recipes may not specifically state what equipment you need. For instance, a recipe might tell you to roll out the dough, but not state that you will need a rolling pin. It’s a good idea to get out all of the cooking equipment you’ll need before you begin (such as a mixing bowl, measuring cups, a whisk, etc). In restaurants, chefs always get their equipment and ingredients ready before they start cooking.
Cooking Temperature & Time:
Most recipes give you an exact cooking temperature and time. For example, “bake the cookies at 350* for 11-13 minutes.” It’s important to san the recipe and take note of any important instructions before beginning. If the recipe calls for using the oven, turn it on the correct temperature before you start. To be sure your oven is at the right temperature, always pre-heat the oven 10-15 minutes before you use it.
Directions:
The directions will explain in detail each step you need to take to prepare the recipe. And the steps are listed in the order they should be completed. Before you begin to follow any recipe, read it from start to finish. Some ingredients will mix better at room temperature, so let cold foods from the refrigerator warm-up before using them (unless the recipe states otherwise), but never longer than an hour.
Yield:
The yield is the number of portions the recipe will make. It will tell you how many people you can serve, so you can increase or decrease the recipe depending on how many servings you need.
Following a recipe can be stressful for culinary-newbies, so have fun and relax! Slow down your pace and invite a mistake-friendly atmosphere into the kitchen so when mistakes happen, your child will be able to handle it better. Every time I cook with my little Munchie, I have to remind myself that they do not have the experience I do. You can’t run before you learn how to walk, and the same goes for cooking. Help Your children by reviewing the recipe with them before they begin and identifying any steps that may require adult supervision.
Cheers,
Stephanie