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Recipes

Create and manage your recipe library using ingredients from your master list.

What Are Recipes?

Recipes in Bestellfix allow you to:
  • Document your menu items and preparations
  • Link recipes to ingredients from your master list
  • Define quantities of each ingredient
  • Store recipe instructions
  • Organize your recipe library

Viewing Recipes

To view your recipes:
  1. Go to ManageRecipes
  2. View a table/list of all recipes
  3. Each recipe shows:
    • Recipe ID
    • Recipe name
    • Description (if provided)
    • Creation date
    • Last updated date

Creating a Recipe

To add a new recipe:

Step 1: Open the Recipe Form

  1. Go to ManageRecipes
  2. Click the + button or Create Recipe
  3. The recipe creation form opens

Step 2: Enter Recipe Details

Fill in the basic information:
  • Recipe Name (required): Name of the dish or preparation
    • Example: “Margherita Pizza”, “House Salad Dressing”
  • Description (optional): Brief description of the recipe
  • Instructions (optional): Preparation instructions or notes
  • Servings/Yield (if applicable): How many servings the recipe produces

Step 3: Add Ingredients

Add ingredients from your master list:
  1. Click Add Ingredient
  2. Select an ingredient from the dropdown
    • This shows all ingredients from your master list
  3. Enter the quantity needed
  4. Specify the unit (should match ingredient’s base unit)
  5. Add more ingredients as needed
Example:
  • Tomatoes: 2 kg
  • Mozzarella: 500 g
  • Basil: 50 g
  • Olive Oil: 100 ml

Step 4: Save Recipe

Click Save or Create Recipe The recipe is added to your library.

Editing a Recipe

To modify an existing recipe:
  1. Find the recipe in the list
  2. Click on it or click the edit button
  3. Update any details:
    • Change name or description
    • Modify instructions
    • Add, remove, or adjust ingredients
    • Change quantities
  4. Save your changes

Deleting a Recipe

To remove a recipe:
  1. Find the recipe in the list
  2. Click the more actions button (three dots)
  3. Select Delete
  4. Confirm the deletion
The recipe is permanently removed from your library.

Recipe Details View

When viewing a recipe, you can see:
  • Recipe name and description
  • Full ingredient list with quantities
  • Preparation instructions
  • Date created and last modified
  • Any additional notes or details

Managing Recipe Ingredients

Adding Ingredients to a Recipe

When creating or editing a recipe:
  1. Select ingredient from master list dropdown
  2. Enter quantity
  3. Unit should match ingredient’s base unit
  4. Add the ingredient to the recipe

Modifying Ingredient Quantities

To change ingredient amounts:
  1. Edit the recipe
  2. Find the ingredient in the list
  3. Update the quantity
  4. Save changes

Removing Ingredients

To remove an ingredient from a recipe:
  1. Edit the recipe
  2. Find the ingredient
  3. Click remove/delete button
  4. Save changes

Search and Filter

On the recipes page:
  • Search: Find recipes by name or description
  • Sort: Order by name, date created, etc.
  • Filter: If available, filter by category or tags

Recipe Organization

Naming Conventions

Use clear, descriptive names:
  • Include dish type: “Pizza - Margherita” vs. just “Margherita”
  • Be specific: “Caesar Dressing - House” vs. “Dressing”
  • Use consistent format across all recipes

Descriptions

Add helpful descriptions:
  • Menu description
  • Key characteristics
  • Preparation notes
  • Serving suggestions

Recipe Categories

If your system supports categories, organize recipes by:
  • Course: Appetizers, Entrees, Desserts
  • Type: Sauces, Dressings, Bases
  • Menu Section: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Preparation Method: Baked, Fried, Grilled

Recipe Instructions

Document preparation steps:
  • Clear step-by-step instructions
  • Cooking temperatures and times
  • Special techniques or notes
  • Plating or assembly instructions
This helps with:
  • Training new staff
  • Maintaining consistency
  • Quality control

Using Recipes in Operations

Recipe Costing

If the system supports costing:
  • Ingredient costs can be calculated
  • Total recipe cost determined
  • Portion costs calculated
  • Food cost percentages tracked

Recipe Scaling

Some systems allow:
  • Scaling recipes up or down
  • Adjusting for batch sizes
  • Converting units

Recipe Allergens

Based on ingredients:
  • System may auto-calculate allergens in recipe
  • Useful for menu labeling
  • Supports customer safety

Integration with POS

If using Sides POS integration:
  • Recipes can link to menu items
  • Track ingredient usage per sale
  • Automatic inventory deduction based on sales
  • Theoretical vs. actual food cost analysis
See Sides Integration for details.

Best Practices

Complete Ingredient Lists

  • Include all ingredients, even small amounts
  • Don’t skip seasonings or garnishes
  • Accuracy matters for costing and allergens

Accurate Quantities

  • Measure precisely
  • Use consistent units
  • Test recipes to verify quantities

Detailed Instructions

  • Write instructions for consistency
  • Include critical steps
  • Note timing and temperatures

Regular Updates

  • Update recipes when you change preparations
  • Adjust quantities based on kitchen feedback
  • Keep current with menu changes

Standard Recipes

  • Document all menu items
  • Include prep items (sauces, bases, etc.)
  • Maintain house standards

Common Workflows

New Menu Item

  1. Create ingredient list needed
  2. Ensure all ingredients in master list (add if missing)
  3. Create recipe with all ingredients and quantities
  4. Document instructions
  5. Test and adjust
  6. Save final recipe

Recipe Refinement

  1. Open existing recipe
  2. Adjust ingredient quantities
  3. Update instructions
  4. Save changes
  5. Test updated recipe

Seasonal Menu Changes

  1. Create recipes for new seasonal items
  2. Archive or delete discontinued recipes
  3. Keep recipe library current

Troubleshooting

Cannot Create Recipe

  • Verify required fields are filled
  • Ensure ingredient master list has needed ingredients
  • Check permissions
  • Refresh page

Ingredient Not Available in Recipe

  • Verify ingredient exists in master list
  • Add ingredient to master list first
  • Then add to recipe

Recipe Not Saving

  • Check all required fields are complete
  • Verify ingredient quantities are valid
  • Ensure proper units are selected
  • Try refreshing and re-entering

Cannot Find Recipe

  • Check search/filter settings
  • Verify recipe was saved successfully
  • Look for typing variations in name
  • Check if recipe was accidentally deleted

Tips for Success

  • Start with key recipes: Document your most important dishes first
  • Be thorough: Include all ingredients, no matter how small
  • Maintain accuracy: Precise quantities lead to consistent results
  • Update regularly: Keep recipes current with actual practices
  • Use for training: Recipes help train new kitchen staff
  • Link to POS: Maximize value by integrating with sales data
  • Review periodically: Audit recipes for accuracy quarterly

Advanced Uses

Prep Recipes

Create recipes for prep items:
  • “House Salad Dressing”
  • “Pizza Dough Batch”
  • “Tomato Sauce Base”
Then use these prep items in final dish recipes.

Batch Production

Document large batch recipes:
  • Scale up for volume production
  • Note equipment needed
  • Include batch storage instructions

Recipe Versions

Keep track of recipe variations:
  • Include version in name
  • Note changes in description
  • Maintain history of modifications