Planning to make a recipe

So you’re ready to get cooking - now what?

When most people think of cooking, they think about things like cutting, mixing, and baking. But there are actually several steps that happen before you even put on an apron. Cooking involves planning and preparation. If you cook a lot, you probably think about some of these things without realizing it. If you haven’t cooked a lot, you might be wondering why you feel stuck.

There is a lot of information below. It might feel like a lot - and that’s okay. For a quick tool, try downloading and using our recipe planning worksheet.

For more detail, read on. These questions are meant to help you figure out what will work best for you. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

1. Decide when to cook.
If you first decide when to cook, you will have a better idea of what kinds of recipes to look for. Questions to think about when you are deciding when to cook:

What time do I want to eat?
Do I want to make breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack?
Will I need help? Will there be someone available to help at the time I’m cooking?
How much time do I have to cook?
Will I have the energy for something complicated? Or will I want something simple?
Will I have enough time to get all the supplies I need before I want to cook?

2. Decide what you’re going to make.
Finding a new recipe can feel overwhelming. Try sticking to a small number of books, websites, or apps that you like if you want to browse for ideas (recommendations coming soon!). Or, try thinking about foods you like and search for recipes that use them. When you find recipes that work well for you, save them. In the future you can choose from recipes you have practiced. The more you practice a recipe, the easier it will get in the future. Some questions to think about when choosing a recipe:

What are some foods or meals that I like?
Am I allergic to any foods or ingredients?
What's the best place for me to look for recipes?
How long will the recipe take? Will I have enough time to make it? (see our cook timing worksheet for help)
How many people am I cooking for? How many servings does the recipe make?
Does this recipe use ingredients that I can find and afford?
Are there steps I might need help with?

3. Figure out what supplies are needed.
It is important to carefully read quantities on the ingredients list. Sometimes this can be a measurement (like 1 cup), or sometimes it is a number (like 2 lemons). Sometimes the quantity includes a size and a number (like 2 8-oz bags of cheese). It’s important to carefully check the number of an item needed and the size of the package. Some recipes include a list of tools or equipment you will need, but many do not. You may need to read through the recipes and try to figure out what tools are used for each step. Finally, figure out what ingredients and tools you already have at home and which you need to buy from the store. Some questions to think about:

What ingredients will I need? How much of each?
Which ingredients do I have, and what do I need to put on my grocery list?
What tools will I need? What tools are safest and most comfortable for me?
Which tools do I have, and which do I need to borrow or buy?

Try using our recipe planning worksheet to help you plan your shopping list.

4. Get supplies.
If you don’t have everything, the next step is to get ingredients and supplies. There are many ways to do this depending on where you live, your budget, and your needs. You could go to the grocery store. You could ask a friend or family member to pick up items for you. You might be able to order online and have it delivered. Some things to think about:

Where can I shop to get what I need?
How much time will I need to go to the store? Or, if ordering online, how long will it take for my groceries and supplies to arrive?
Do I have transportation to get to the store? Do I need help planning transportation or getting there?
Will I need help finding the right items at the store or online? Who can I ask for help?
How much money will I need? What will I use to pay (cash, card, etc)? Do I need help making purchases?

5. Remember to cook.
This seems like a funny step, but it can be hard! Sometimes we have the best plans or ideas but then forget to do it or not plan enough time. It's helpful to put it on a calendar, set a phone alarm reminder, or even share your plans with others. Things to think about:

Do I know what time I need to start cooking on the day I’m making the recipe?
Have I asked for help if I need it and know that someone will be available?
What is the best way for me to be reminded when it is time to cook?

For help figuring out when to start cooking, check out our cook timing table.