Recipe Etiquette

• Just because a recipe calls for it doesn't mean you have to use it (I hate cilantro but love parsley)
• Do not ever believe the number of servings because it makes a big difference on who you are feeding
• Good cooking does not have to be or should it be difficult
• Not everything has to be made from scratch
• Great ideas come from food magazines but be daring and change them up
• Cooking for family and friends is good for the soul

 
  

  

It is almost impossible to copyright or patent a recipe.  First you can not patent a list of ingredients.  Second it must meet what is referred to as the non-obviousness requirement.  That means that your recipe may not be obvious to someone skilled in the art of cooking.  Did your Great Grandma have the best recipe that no one in the world could ever imagine, even someone skilled in the art of cooking?  Well, you'll fail here on two counts.  The first being that only the inventor can apply for the patent and secondly, if this recipe was ever served, even without the recipe ever being provided, that is called public disclosure and you only have 365 days from this disclosure to apply for the patent.  So, although you finally inherited Great Grandma's recipe it was publicly disclosed the first time she served it.  Notice to all Moms, Grandmas, Great Grandmas and Aunts  ( and male equivalents): GIVE UP THE RECIPES ALREADY!

So how did Coca Cola keep their recipe a secret,? They never applied for a patent.  The patent would run out after 20 years and then everyone could make it at home.  They make a big deal out of keeping their recipe secret.  Only several people, who swear an oath of secrecy, know the recipe and none of them ever travels with another "knower of the secret ingredients" in the event of an accident.   And I'm sure it's much the same with all those other goodies that we'd like to know how to concoct and probably improve upon with our own unique techniques.

Nevertheless, those of us that like to share and receive recipes should follow some rules of etiquette.  If, when you receive a recipe that has a name , you pass that recipe on, include the original name.  For years we had been making a recipe called "Grilled Leg of Lamb Robert,"  We never knew Robert but that was the name on it when we got it.  So when it was passed on, I didn't change the name to "Grilled Leg of Lamb Sue."  It just wouldn't have been the proper thing to do.  Nor would it have been proper to omit Robert's name.

When your friend or relative shares a recipe with you that isn't attached to a person, do the right thing.  Name it for the person that provided you with the dish.  After all they were kind enough to share and that's what etiquette is all about - kindness.

So here's to Delores, I never knew you but you did come up with a pretty tasty

Delores' Delight

1  18.25 ounce yellow cake mix

1 cup melted butter

1 egg

1 cup chopped pecans

2- 8 ounces cream cheese

4 cups confectioners sugar

2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350.  Butter and flour a 9 x 13 pan.  Mix cake mix, butter,  and 1 egg.  Stir in pecans.  Press into bottom of pan.  Beat cream cheese with sugar and add the two remaining eggs, one at a time until blended.  Pour over crust and bake for 45 minutes.  Cool in pan.  Cut into squares.  Makes 24 squares.

Be sure to let cool before slicing.

And if you pass this on, don't forget Delores.