Yes, interesting idea Helen - and the thought of these both being formative experiences at our parent's knee ( Max!) seems to reinforce the analogy.

(also following some basic rules!)

But most of us don't follow recipes slavishly (dare I say 'religiously'), do we? We read some recipes, see what's actually in the fridge, then sling things together in a more creatively informed manner, according to our own 'idiolect'. Just like language...