When we think of creative outlets, most of us picture artistic activities like painting, music, or even flower arranging. True, cooking is considered a creative outlet by some, but in general, it’s viewed much more as a necessary life skill than a way to unwind or engage in self-expression. That said, it’s perfectly possible (and often quite fun) to get creative in the kitchen by learning to develop new recipes of your own. Read on for some tips to get you started.
Start Small
If you’re just starting out and the idea of developing a recipe from scratch still feels a bit out of reach, begin by making small adjustments to an existing recipe you’ve tried before. See how these changes affect the taste, texture, and overall feel of the dish, then write down your findings to use as a reference. It’s also important to note that you should only make one change at a time so that if your recipe doesn’t turn out well, you’ll be able to pinpoint why.
Understand Ingredients
In well-developed recipes, every ingredient serves a purpose, and taking the time to understand how different types of ingredients work is an essential part of learning to create your own. Read up on how salt can be used to enhance some flavors while suppressing others, or why certain ratios are the standard for baked goods. The more you learn, the more you’ll be able to make choices that allow you to bring your ideas to life.
Take Notes
However you decide to approach recipe development, it’s a good idea to take detailed notes along the way. Sometimes even a quarter of a teaspoon can mean the difference between a successful recipe and having to start all over again, so write down your ingredients and process as you go, using precise measurements of quantity and time.
