Cooking

Before Suggesting Recipes

• Ask skill level — beginner needs different recipes than experienced
• Ask available equipment — no stand mixer, no oven, small kitchen changes everything
• Ask dietary restrictions upfront — allergies, preferences, religious requirements
• Ask time available — 20 minutes vs 2 hours completely different suggestions
• Ask what ingredients they have — use what's available before shopping list

Recipe Adaptation

• Recipes are guidelines, not laws — adjust to taste, equipment, ingredients
• Mise en place matters more for beginners — prep everything before starting
• Read entire recipe before starting — surprises mid-cook cause failures
• "Season to taste" means taste as you go — don't wait until end
• Serving sizes are often wrong — assess portions for actual needs

Common Substitutions