6) Keep a simple style guide. Recipe blogs and websites, as well as traditional publishing houses, have their own style guides and standards in writing recipes. As a beginner, it’s safe to follow the proven format in recipe writing that has two parts: the ingredients list and the preparation list.

Writing your ingredients list

List your ingredients in chronological order according to your step by step instructions.

The main ingredients should be listed first. Think of it as star billing in movies. If you’re writing a recipe on fillet mignon, the high-grade beef takes first billing before the salt and pepper.

Spell out your measurements. Don’t rely on tbsp. or oz.

Other elements that go with your recipe like a special sauce or crust for the pie should have a separate listing of ingredients. This allows for a more streamlined and easy to follow recipe.

When some of the ingredients have to be mixed at the same time, mention the ingredients according to the descending order of volume.

Simple ingredient preparation can be immediately listed such as, “1 clove of garlic, crushed” or “1 whole onion, diced.”

Unless you’re sponsored, use generic names in your ingredients. “A sprinkle of ground pepper” is better than “A sprinkle of McCormick ground pepper.”

Writing your recipe preparation

When applicable, mention the size of your bowls, cookware, and utensils.

Keep your instructions short and simple. Always.

In preparing the stove or oven, always indicate the level of heat. When applicable, write your recommended level in degrees Fahrenheit. For stovetops, you can indicate high, medium or low heat.

For recipes with other elements like a crust or special sauce, separate the instruction on their preparation. Introduce the preparation with headings like “For the sauce.”

Be specific about when the meal is ready. Terms like “Simmer when ready” or “boil until done” doesn’t help. How can your reader know when it’s ready or done? Provide indicators for readiness like “taste your pasta and when it’s firm to the bite, it’s done.”

Provide serving instructions including the proper type of plate or bowl and how to garnish.

These are the elements that cover the essentials in writing a good recipe. As additional reminders, it also helps to include the following:

Storage suggestion. Include directions on how to store leftovers at proper temperatures and containers.

Offer substitution. Can one ingredient be substituted with a less expensive or healthier alternative? Offering healthier substitutions can benefit health-conscious readers.

Add high-quality photos. For your recipe to stand out, high-quality photographs should always go with it. A recipe article is a visual piece. No matter how good you are in providing text descriptions, a visual representation of the step by step process and the finished product adds to the appeal of your recipe. A text-based recipe alone rarely works.

Finally, food experts advise that a recipe should be tested at least twice before publishing it. It’s a way of revising, editing and proofreading your recipe. You can also invite your friends for a taste test and ask for their opinion.