Also relevant, spice (and salt) preferences have a high subjective component. It drives my wife crazy but I don't even read amounts any more for things like thi

Also relevant, spice (and salt) preferences have a high subjective component. It drives my wife crazy but I don't even read amounts any more for things like this, I just put whatever I think, and add more if it seems like it needs it after I taste it. Conveniently its also the best, and perhaps only, way to develop in to a good cook because it teaches you how ingredients impact the flavour of your meal, and in turn how that is percieved by the people consuming it. If its helpful to anyone not well versed in cooking, focus on salt first. IME its by far the most important component in most dishes.