Want to try a new recipe but you are really not sure which recipe will be good? Or do you have a recipe that needs to be improved or tweaked a little? With this technique you can confidently analyze recipes and create custom versions that work.
Here is an example for banana bread (but it will work for any recipe). Setup a spreadsheet or sketch a chart on a sheet of paper. In the first column, list the ingredients for the recipe. It is helpful to leave some space between the ingredients so that you can include special notes or similar ingredients.
Across the top of the chart, title each column with where you found the recipe, such as my recipe, Nana, cook book Susan, website Carol E., Church, etc.
Now list the amounts of each ingredients required for the recipe. Keep it simple in the beginning, so you can see what is different and what is the same in each recipe.
In our example recipes, one uses butter and the other uses oil. Also the leavening agents are different: one uses only baking soda and the other uses baking soda and baking powder. Now you have a clear way to see the differences between recipes. You can make the personal decision of whether you like the taste of butter or oil in your baked goods. This is a process but you will eventually make one that is just right for you.
Analyzing multiple recipes this way can also be beneficial if you're trying to keep to some form of diet (weight loss, low salt, low cholesterol, etc).
Remember to have fun and improve until you have a great recipe.
Eat and Enjoy!