n (medicine|archaic) A formula for preparing or using a medicine; a prescription; also, a medicine prepared from such instructions. (defdate|from 16th c.)
n Any set of instructions for preparing a mixture of ingredients. (defdate|from 17th c.)
n By extension, a plan or procedure to obtain a given end result. (defdate|from 17th c.)
n Now especially, a set of instructions for making or preparing food dishes. (defdate|from 18th c.)