Literature contains many unique genres, and recipes are definitely a category of their own. Recipes can be classified with a few distinct characteristics that most other genres of literature do not contain. For example, many recipes include a personal introduction explaining the author’s relationship to the recipe, how they discovered it, and other details such as the history or culture behind the dish. Secondly, recipes almost always contain ingredients. While it is possible to be ambiguous on what ingredients to use, or leave the recipe open-ended for the reader, there still must be a list of base ingredients, whether it is the full recipe, a seasoning, or a recommendation. Finally, recipes usually contain directions. Without directions, it would be impossible to have a recipe, since many different dishes can be made with the same ingredients. The directions give a recipe its uniqueness. Directions and cooking techniques are vital for any recipe.
One example of a recipe that includes a personal introduction is this recipe for tandoori chicken burgers (which I have referenced in a previous post). The author of the recipe lists her inspirations for the dish and the reactions of her family members. She not only includes an introduction, but at the end of the recipe she includes a statement from her daughter. By giving some insight into why, how, and for who she created the recipe, the author makes it much more relatable and achievable in the eyes of the reader.
The ingredients of a recipe also contribute to its classification as its own genre. While some recipes may not include the specific ingredients, such as this gnocchi recipe, alternatives and classic renditions are listed, which gives the reader something to base it on if they aren’t feeling creative or overly ambitious. Without a list ingredients, or at least a recommendation of ingredients, a recipe becomes too ambiguous, and instead may turn into a mundane instruction manual.
As important as the ingredients are the directions. While some recipes may include the directions in the form of instructions, many may have some visual aid detailing significant points in the process of the recipe. This recipe for Kung Pao chicken does just that. The author takes their recipe to another level by not only including the instructions in text, but also pictures of the recipe during the preparation and cooking processes.
In order to understand why recipes should be considered their own genre, one must realize why authors write recipes. There are a multitude of reasons for this. Many recipe-writers enjoy doing so in order to share a creation of theirs for others to enjoy. More forgetful folks may write recipes down simply in order to remember them. For some, recipe writing can be a source of income, or even an entire career. The list goes on and on. To conclude, while there are certain specific guidelines for classifying a work as a recipe, there are countless reasons for why one would write a recipe.