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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

Why does it take me at least twice as long to cook a dish as the recipe says?

Slow progress ... cook books.
Slow progress ... cook books. Photograph: Roger Tooth/The Guardian

Why does it take me at least twice as long to cook a dish as the time suggested in the printed recipe? And is there a better algorithm for determining the total time it will really take than my personal formula of 20 + 2P + 1½C minutes, where 20 is the time needed to track down all the ingredients (which is never shown) and P and C are the published preparation and cooking times respectively?

David Brodie, London NW2

Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com

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