How To Create a New Recipe

How To Create A New Recipe
By: Karen A. Spencer- Food Information Consultant

Having worked in the food industry creating new product concepts for clients, I learned quickly to think out of the box and try various flavor and ingredient combinations. I didn’t always “hit it on the nail” the first time, but after a little tweaking, I did come up with some combinations that wowed both colleagues and clients. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are trying to create a new recipe.

Brainstorm Before You Start
I believe good ideas are developed over time. I always say, “Ideas lead you to the idea,” so every idea should be recorded and not thrown to the side because you or others think it won’t work. No, the idea has its place and if you continue with the brainstorming process, you will come up with the idea.

Don’t Be Afraid To Try the Oddest Combinations
You will be surprised how some of the oddest combinations work together and can enhance the overall flavour of a dish. For example a little soy sauce in chocolate enhances the chocolate flavour and if you are a garlic lover try adding an extremely small amount of garlic to ice cream; you will be pleasantly surprised how the ice cream will have a fuller flavour.

Take Notes
As you are creating your new recipe, make notes on the flavour, texture and appearance of your dish. Get a new set of taste buds to evaluate your dish for additional feedback.

Precision
The best results are achieved when you have a consistent recipe to follow. Your friends should get similar results if adequate instructions are given for ingredient preparation and the steps are clear.