Keep one change traceable to one attempt
Write the date, the part you changed, and the result. “November 3: two onions, same pan, slightly sweeter” tells the next cook more than “better this time.” Add a note about the amount served if a change altered how far the dish went. A different pan can matter as much as a different ingredient.
Distinguish an accident from the new version
When several changes consistently work, write a clean household version. Include how many people it served and the pan used. Keep the original source so you can revisit the method if the result changes with another ingredient or a different kitchen.
A successful improvisation is still a trial until someone can repeat it. If the first cook estimated the seasoning or used a different brand of sauce, note that uncertainty. Let the next cook choose whether to follow the original exactly or deliberately reproduce the experiment.
Write the household copy when it settles
Keep the original link or source title and date your household version. Record the ingredients and steps you actually use, with the agreed quantities together. If opinions differ, preserve a short variation such as “Lee adds lemon at the table” rather than replacing the base recipe every time a different person cooks.