From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Recipe Rec"i*pe (r[e^]s"[i^]*p[-e]), n.; pl. Recipes (r[e^]s"[i^]*p[=e]z). [L., imperative of recipere to take back, take in, receive. See Receive.] A formulary or prescription for making some combination, mixture, or preparation of materials; a receipt. [1913 Webster] 2. a prescription for medicine. [archaic] [1913 Webster] 2. a prescription for medicine. [archaic] [1913 Webster] 3. a set of directions for preparing food from its ingredients. [PJC] 4. a method or procedure for accomplishing a goal by defined steps; -- implying a high probability of achieving the goal; as, a recipe for success. Also used in a negative sense, as, a recipe for disaster. [PJC]