Writing &
Recipe Development
Writing begins with a question, not an answer.
Whether that question leads to a recipe or a reflection depends entirely on what needs to be said — and why.
Recipe Development
A recipe is a set of instructions. A guide to be taken lightly.
A record of what happened in a particular moment.
Or all of these — and more.
The intention behind a recipe creates tension. That tension must be resolved before putting pen to paper. What is the recipe doing and for whom? Where is its story going and where does it come from? These questions matter more than the ingredients.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to a recipe. The nuances of interpretation are the greater consideration. What keeps it honest is that it works — reliably, consistently, for the person following it. That's the craft and the responsibility.
Recipes are written with order and flow. Not everyone has the same skill, the same equipment, or the same relationship with a kitchen. Experience in teaching and training informs every decision about how much to say, how much to leave open, and where to trust the cook.
Give a room full of people identical instructions, identical ingredients and identical equipment and there will be no two results the same. This is terroir in action. Beautiful chaos — and the whole point.
As with everything, a recipe must be relevant, achievable and have a story to tell. The story comes from the intention and the why. Why is it being written, why is it necessary, and why can it help or guide. Then how follows.
Food Writing
Food writing is different.
Still guided by terroir — but this time a personal one.
Food writing is a window. Reflections of experience that shape a perspective, shared not as opinion but as curiosity. Questions rather than conclusions. Acceptance rather than judgment.
Having spent a long time in this industry, one thing becomes clear: decisions and choices are never easy and will always have a story. Individual, contextual, of the moment. Approaching food writing with that understanding brings a clearer picture of what lies beneath — a glimpse of what can only be seen when ego and fixed opinion are set aside.
This is not opinion writing in the conventional sense. Opinion assumes a standpoint to be maintained or defended. This is something more open than that.
Available for recipe development commissions
for farms, food brands, and producers working with seasonal and local ingredients.
Examples of recipe development work can be found at Sandy Lane Farm
Available for food writing commissions
for publications, platforms, and organisations looking for a voice that approaches food, farming and provenance with curiosity rather than agenda.
Further writing at createterroir.com/blog and on Substack.