Writing Recipes

Two of the most important things about writing a recipe are clarity and consistency, with attention to detail. Another important item is to follow the rules of recipe writing, which is an art and a science unto itself. Clarity and consistency will make your recipes easy-to-read and easy-to-follow. Your readers will love you for it when they make your recipes.

I was going to post a detailed style sheet
for writing recipes, but since it's so lengthy (and is also covered in my book, Recipe for a Cookbook), I thought I'd refer you to an online style sheet produced by Ten Speed Press for their cookbook authors. It's very detailed and inclusive, and will answer many of your questions about styling your recipes.

While it's important to follow the rules, it's also important to put your personality in the pages. You want to make your reader feel as if he or
she is in the kitchen cooking with you, and that you're looking over his
or her shoulder, explaining how to make your recipe.

If you have any questions about writing recipes that aren't covered in Ten Speed's style sheet, just leave a comment with your question and I'll be
happy to answer it or offer suggestions.