Welcome to Lesson 6!

In this lesson, we will explore the art of demystifying recipes. By understanding how to read, comprehend, and adapt recipes, you will become more confident in the kitchen and better equipped to experiment with new approaches.

Reading and Interpreting Recipes

When reading a recipe, consider the following:

• Read the entire recipe before starting to cook and pay attention to the ingredients, measurements, and steps.
• Understand common terminology, such as preheat, simmer, sauté, and mise en place (preparing all ingredients before cooking).
• Organize your workspace and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.

Ingredient Ratios and Substitutions

Understanding ingredient ratios is essential for scaling a recipe or making informed substitutions:

• Recognize basic ratios, such as 2 parts liquid to 1 part grain for rice or common baking ratios for sponge cakes and cookies.
• When making substitutions, consider the original ingredient's purpose and look for alternatives with similar properties (e.g., replace vegetable oil with applesauce in a cake to maintain moisture).

Recipe Adaptation

Feel encouraged to modify recipes to accommodate your preferences, dietary restrictions, or available ingredients:

• Add or subtract ingredients based on your taste and dietary needs (e.g., replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian dish).
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of a dish.
• Alter the cooking method, such as oven-roasting veggies instead of sautéing them, to vary results and find your preferred techniques.

With your newfound ability to understand, modify, and adapt recipes, you will become a more resourceful and creative home cook. In Lesson 7, we will discuss kitchen safety and hygiene, ensuring the health and well-being of you and your loved ones. Happy cooking!