Reading a Recipe

A recipe is like a set of directions for making food. It tells you what ingredients you need and how to put them together. Recipes have been shared between people for thousands of years. Learning to read a recipe is an important skill that helps you make all kinds of delicious meals and treats.

Parts of a Recipe

Every recipe has a few main parts. The ingredient list tells you everything you need and how much of each item. The instructions tell you what to do step by step. Most recipes also list how many servings it makes and how long it takes to cook. Some recipes include the oven temperature and the size of pan you need.

Tips for Following a Recipe

Read the entire recipe from start to finish before you begin cooking. Gather all your ingredients and tools before you start. This is called "mise en place," which is French for "everything in its place." Follow the steps in order and do not skip ahead. If you do not understand a cooking word, ask an adult or look it up.

Fun Facts

• The oldest known recipe is over 4,000 years old and was written on a clay tablet in ancient Mesopotamia.
• The first printed cookbook in America was published in 1796.
• The word "recipe" comes from a Latin word meaning "take" or "receive."

Did You Know?

The oldest known recipe is for a type of beer, written on a Sumerian clay tablet from around 1800 BC!