FC Community

Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: Dynamite2013 on December 11, 2013, 04:44:53 pm

Title: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: Dynamite2013 on December 11, 2013, 04:44:53 pm
I always follow directions because then it turns out good and everyone always enjoy whatever I make. Especially on the holidays they always request certain dishes like sweet potato casserole, lasagna, and of course pumpkin pie,   apple crumb pie, bread pudding, and I could go on forever. So now let me know what you do follow directions or not.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: ushaann on December 11, 2013, 04:54:34 pm
most of the timei  follow
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: BATISTAGIRL663 on December 11, 2013, 05:04:40 pm
i follow the directions most of the time --but sometimes i had a pinch of this or that to add a lil more favor or zing --i love to try new things !!
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: teenangel on December 11, 2013, 05:21:29 pm
I follow directions even when cooking.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: tkfarris on December 11, 2013, 07:55:06 pm
I always follow directions because then it turns out good and everyone always enjoy whatever I make. Especially on the holidays they always request certain dishes like sweet potato casserole, lasagna, and of course pumpkin pie,   apple crumb pie, bread pudding, and I could go on forever. So now let me know what you do follow directions or not.
  if i have never made it then i do go by the directions
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: 12amos on December 11, 2013, 08:39:57 pm
On most recipes I follow directions but it all depends on what I'm making.  Sometimes I add different seasonings to give what I'm preparing more flavor.   ;)   
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: dreamyxo on December 11, 2013, 11:53:10 pm
If it's something I'm making for the first time yes then after that depending on how it turns out I might tweak it to suit my tastes.  If it was good then I'll keep following it until I can make it without the directions.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: sharonpatri55 on December 12, 2013, 03:42:16 am
I follow the recipe directions, otherwise it never seems to turn out too well.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: Timberlan127 on December 12, 2013, 04:55:51 am
I always follow the directions since I'm not a talented cook I need to stay as close as possible to the directions so that my results will be eatable.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: lvstephanie on December 12, 2013, 07:48:55 am
For the most part I try to follow the directions, esp. if it's the first time trying to make it. That being said, last Monday I was trying to make a potato chowder recipe that I found on the Food Network's site, and realized that I didn't have some of the ingredients, so I used what substitutes I could, guessed on what other flavors I wanted, and ended up creating a chowder that tasted very good. My friend was over at the time and she agreed that it was pretty good, esp. for trying to make it for the first time without having all of the requested ingredients. And I value her opinion a lot when it comes to cooking... She is by far more of a chef in that she rarely uses recipes; she just knows what flavors work well together, has an excellent pallet, and is technically very good when preparing food. She also isn't afraid to ask the head chef how they prepared a dish that she found delicious, and trying to repeat the dish on her own. We once were in a fairly upscale restaurant out-of-state, and they had this awesome butternut squash soup that had a much more savory flavor than what you'd expect. She asked the waiter what all was in the soup and the waiter went into the back to ask the chef. But instead the chef came out himself and explained everything he had done. Not a true recipe with actual amounts of each ingredient or procedural directions to follow, but he was able to explain enough of how he got the different flavors that when she got home, she was able to nearly mimic the taste.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: Nancy5 on December 12, 2013, 07:59:50 am
If it's something I never made before, then I usually follow the directions.  If it's something I made before I normally try different things (spices, etc), and usually it comes out good!  I love to experiment, but of course with baking you can't do that.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: bremer51 on December 12, 2013, 08:43:49 am
For baking, I usually follow the instructions.  For cooking, not so much.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: nguzman1 on December 12, 2013, 08:52:18 am
if it is a receipe that is not mine I like to follow it or modify it if I can.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: bhiett on December 12, 2013, 08:57:38 am
Not always; I don't cook a lot, but when I do I tend to substitute and experiment a little.  A few types of meal items do not lend themselves to changing the recipe at all.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: heypeg on December 12, 2013, 09:15:14 am
I always follow directions, I'm not that good a cook.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: sanglee on December 12, 2013, 10:04:43 am
I'm a horrible cook, but whenever there is a need to cook, I follow the directions to a tee
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: Shandara09 on December 12, 2013, 10:26:18 am
I always follow directions, because whenever I've tried something on my own, it doesn't usually go well.  Not much of a cook without directions, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: tikihut5 on December 12, 2013, 11:02:13 am
When I cook something for the first time, I follow the directions. Then I wing it and hope it turns out edible.  ;D
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: Penwoir on December 12, 2013, 11:47:42 am
If it's something I have cooked many times before, then I don't need a recipe. But if it's a new recipe, then I have to follow it to the letter (and even then sometimes it doesn't turn out right). I've cooked pancakes from scratch (1 cup self raising flour, 1 egg, 1 cup milk, little olive oil, 1 tbsp sugar) and they come out perfect every time, without a recipe.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: reiddb on December 12, 2013, 12:04:59 pm
Absolutely, every time, every way!  If you like it.....you can make it!=)
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: luvh8tragedy87 on December 12, 2013, 12:26:14 pm
I do. I rarely cook, although I should learn, but when I do I follow the directions. I'm too afraid of screwing up what I'm cooking if I didn't follow them.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: Mikena on December 12, 2013, 01:10:14 pm
I do. I rarely cook, although I should learn, but when I do I follow the directions. I'm too afraid of screwing up what I'm cooking if I didn't follow them.
Cooking is a lot like chemistry, once you get the basic principals down then you can deviate from the recipe. Don't be afraid to put your own spin on a recipe. That's what you can call creative cooking. I have been cooking for about 45 years and I do have a master's degree. But in all actuality, paper doesn't add up to a hill of beans. What makes a cook A GOOD COOK is trial and error. Just do what you want to and experiment. You will never know if you don't try! Good Luck and Happy COOKING!!!! ;D
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: ghunter on December 12, 2013, 01:30:34 pm
If I don't know how to cook something than I have to follow the directions, but if I have been cooking it for awhile, than no.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: vickysue on December 12, 2013, 03:05:34 pm
I will follow a reciepe forfor the first time and then i go to playing with it. Usually follow the basic and then start tweaking it. Can not help myself. Just lke to do it. and 99 percent of the time it is good. Made a fresh apple cake a couple of days ago and had some raisins left that needed to be used up and threw them in also. Oh was it rich but good.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: monnee on December 12, 2013, 03:06:20 pm
Yes, otherwise it won't come out the way it's suppose to be.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: angprescott on December 12, 2013, 03:18:22 pm
It depends on what I am making. If it is something new, I do follow the directions, if not, I tend to follow my own rules.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: carolhall1031 on December 12, 2013, 08:26:16 pm
I only do something different if it will improve on the flavor.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: dodgers16 on December 12, 2013, 11:22:57 pm
   Yes, I try very hard to follow directions when I do attempt to cook something!!! unless it calls for me to add an ingredient that I dont like
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: iimouto on December 13, 2013, 12:36:35 am
It depends on what I'm cooking. Sometimes I change the amount of ingredients to add in because I don't need the suggested portion. Or sometimes I don't like something so I just leave it out :)
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: ShadowWolf16 on December 13, 2013, 01:20:33 am
It really depends. If it is something that I have made before, then I will usually try experimenting with different things. If it's something I have never made before, then I always follow the directions.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: mawhite63 on December 13, 2013, 03:12:16 am
Usually I do... I've been branching out a bit more and will adjust spice levels, but for the most part I can't cook unless I've got directions.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: Forp on December 13, 2013, 04:52:46 am
I usually substitute ingredients or cut in half...but my cooking is not all that great...edible but not great :)
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: sak4kat on December 13, 2013, 05:46:51 am
That all depends on what the recipe is.  If it's something I've never made before I try and stick to the recipe to a T... If it was a hit for the family I'll make changes to it accordingly.  ie: Remove one ingredient and replace it with another or substitute something if I must.  It's rare that I can go in the kitchen and just start mixing something up and it turn out amazing... other than sloppy joes, bbq chicken or chicken and dumplings.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: gbabesmom on December 13, 2013, 06:48:02 am
When baking I follow recipes exactly, but if I'm making quick breads I'll change the add in ingredients like fruit. For a regular recipe I'll change it to suit my family's taste.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: greenthumbjan on December 13, 2013, 09:13:06 am
When i stray from the recipe, it will taste different. 
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: debidoo on December 13, 2013, 10:48:20 am
 :snowman: Don't cook much anymore since I live by myself both grown sons cook though now and they are pretty good about following directions and learned the hard way that the food comes out better that way.  Happy Holidays !
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: kewl4reals on December 13, 2013, 10:54:17 am
I always follow directions because then it turns out good and everyone always enjoy whatever I make. Especially on the holidays they always request certain dishes like sweet potato casserole, lasagna, and of course pumpkin pie,   apple crumb pie, bread pudding, and I could go on forever. So now let me know what you do follow directions or not.
i like to wing it when i cook
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: devideddi on December 13, 2013, 11:23:00 am
no not always
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: cneimsn on December 13, 2013, 12:45:44 pm
Most of the time up to a point.  Then I add my own touch to make it better.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: sgluckadoo on December 13, 2013, 01:31:07 pm
I do if it is a new recipe, but over time I make adjustments to it, to my taste.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: dancer139 on December 13, 2013, 07:44:26 pm
well it just depends on what i am cooking  lol     If it something new that I have not cooked before I will usually follow the directions.  The next time I will probably sort of follow it but also add my own touch  lol
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: LaTashaS28 on December 13, 2013, 07:49:33 pm
Yes I always follow directions using a recipe when I cook something... because I am not a good cook and I am scared it might not come out right or it could burn
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: zreeds on December 13, 2013, 08:40:12 pm
I always have to read the directions because I don't know how to cook and don't have that natural cooking ability. its sad since I come from a cooking family.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: camellia0 on December 14, 2013, 12:48:38 am
When it comes to the main ingredients, yes I will follow the recipe direction, but I usually as a spice of sort to my desired tasting. It's my special touch to the recipe.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: ButterflyWings on December 14, 2013, 08:29:47 am
I do to a point but some I will add a little extra or something special to make it my own  :heart: :peace:
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: catchow on December 14, 2013, 08:33:03 pm
First time trying a recipe, I always follow it, but then afterwards redo it to my tastes, adding, subtracting something here or there :)
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: texasmom32 on December 14, 2013, 10:42:38 pm
It depends on what it is.  If it's baking something, like a dessert or snack, then I absolutely do.  If it's cooking meals/dinners, I only use a recipe as a guide line, making changes with seasonings, etc.  I make most of our meals without recipes anyway. 
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: jorhea on December 15, 2013, 06:04:54 am
I see many people do what I do! The first time, I follow the recipe and after that I may make some changes to get my own original flavor! I love to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: bretay on December 15, 2013, 06:51:41 am
sometimes,but i like to tweak it a bit and make it my own
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: yaayme on December 15, 2013, 11:49:48 am
Yes, 90% of the time for most dishes that I cook.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: mill8277 on December 15, 2013, 01:47:39 pm
If it's something I make from a recipe I follow directions, if it's one of my own creations then no.....
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: linderlizzie on December 15, 2013, 02:10:03 pm
I follow directions sometimes, but I reserve the right to change the recipe if I want to or I'm missing some ingredient.  :P

Other times I get really creative. If you use good fresh ingredients, everything is tasty!
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: Adroden2010 on December 15, 2013, 04:51:32 pm
I follow directions when it comes to food. I have went out to try to make sugar cookies without directions when i was younger and they tasted like sweet biscuits. hmmm...
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: champak97 on December 17, 2013, 09:52:39 pm
I follow directions but I like to tweak it and add my own touch to most of the recipes. My family loves my food so I am happy.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: lhz123 on December 18, 2013, 03:27:52 am
I always follow directions on recipe in the internet and next time to cook it i will change some of the ingredients for my won taste buds.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: shaybearlv on December 18, 2013, 09:31:35 pm
I follow directions only when it is something that I am not familiar with making but otherwise I just use my best judgement.  My husband on the other hand, reads directions and follows directions to a T, even with Mac and cheese.  I found it funny that we had about a teaspoon short of butter one time, if that, and he just threw it away because he "couldn't make it right".  ::)
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: Liquidfire_43 on December 25, 2013, 11:04:27 am
Only the first time cooking it... No one has time to redo making a meal
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: marciaenglish on December 25, 2013, 12:27:37 pm
I always modify the recipe!  I never follow one exactly!  I love experimenting.   ;D
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: nannycoe1 on December 25, 2013, 01:36:45 pm
Not always. I made a new pecan pie recipe and followed the directions to the T and had to throw it away, it was awful. Oh well!
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: mgint on December 25, 2013, 05:13:19 pm
on something that's new sometimes on other stuff know most ingredients by heart.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: ejholt on December 26, 2013, 02:52:35 am
I follow directions on certain things.  Other things I have made for many years and never have to look at a recipe.  Like baked bean, yeast rolls and other things.  Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year and may God bless each of you and keep you safe.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: rpse1927 on December 26, 2013, 08:47:21 am
I always follow directions when im cooking or ill make a mistake
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: momdileo on December 27, 2013, 07:38:56 am
I always follow the dirctions when I'm cooking. 1 time I didn't and man was it awful.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: jenniferhoder on December 27, 2013, 08:58:33 am
Most of the time yes, but there are times I have to make slight changes if I don't think it will affect things.... I have some allergies!
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: moon29 on December 27, 2013, 09:09:40 am
when it is the first time that i am making something i follow the directions however once i have made it i love finding new ways to tweak the recipe.  it could be as little as changing the spice or as big as adding different veg or extra sauce. 
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: pmagalei on December 27, 2013, 10:53:11 am
I would say most of the times except for the oven. Some have convection ovens and I have the basic oven. So cooking time varies. Also butter and margarine are 2 different things You can't substitute margarine for butter. I am LDS and I don't use alcohol in my cooking. But I try and stay as close to the directions as possible.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: king4cash on December 27, 2013, 01:49:15 pm
I usually try to follow instructions on the first run, but then make my changes on the other go at the cooking instructions.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: kapeh12 on December 27, 2013, 06:13:59 pm
Generally when I try a new recipe I'll follow the instructions as is.  If I get the recipe off of an internet recipe sight, I'll look through comments people made regarding modifications they made, and depending on the recipe, I may decide to include one of the amendments (like if people suggested using extra ingredients or substituted something that I know I would prefer).

After making it and tasting it, I may or may not make adjustments to the recipe to better suit my taste - typically these would be more for things like main dishes where I could substitute different vegetables or spices.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: lmrbean on December 27, 2013, 08:13:09 pm
I mostly follow directions, especially for baked goods, but after making something a number of times, I could experiment (especially if I don't have the exact ingredients needed)
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: davidh121 on December 27, 2013, 09:12:50 pm
I generally follow the directions, especially the times.  However, as I see it a waste for certain ingredients I don't use very often I periodically do a small substitution or otherwise I'll just ignore the recipe completely and cook something else.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: misi49 on December 27, 2013, 09:19:06 pm
I always follow directions when I cook as I am not that good and I don't like to cook.  The only exception would be when I make something really simple like Macaroni & Cheese. 
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: shunntwo on December 27, 2013, 09:24:36 pm
It is a rare occasion that I concoct my own good enough...so I definitely need instructions I'm wasting money on ruined food.  I'm good at following directions so I'm not a bad cook!
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: cathy37 on December 28, 2013, 06:02:31 pm
Most of the time I follow a recipe when I cook.  There are some things that I have made several times that I remember the recipe.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: timvolley on December 28, 2013, 06:59:00 pm
I don't cook that often but I always follow directions
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: adg35 on December 29, 2013, 04:51:53 am
Yeah, I do. I mess things up when I don't. Although I add little touches here and there.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: szhao13 on December 29, 2013, 12:09:16 pm
If I'm trying a new recipe, then I follow the directions. Otherwise, I go my experience and senses.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: myfreebees316 on December 29, 2013, 05:26:42 pm
Sometimes i follow directions but most of the time i like to spice up a recipe or take the idea and go my own way. Make it your own type of deal. Sometimes good things come out of doing it that way & sometimes u could come up with the most vile tasting thing ever imagined but 9 times out of ten you really come out with something good tasting
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: tuyetmai on December 29, 2013, 09:22:16 pm
I follow most of the time.  But mostly I don't cook that much.
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: ilovepatrick on December 29, 2013, 10:34:13 pm
no cooking is like chemistry it is the right blends and timing
Title: Re: Do you follow directions when you cook something?
Post by: BaudLight on December 29, 2013, 10:47:48 pm
I rarely cook, but I usually come up with some of my own ways to do something, rather than going strictly by the original directions.