Frank Blomdahl explains in threadID:756381.1:
A recipe is an ability to create a certain item, using one or several components (=other items).
A recipe always uses a tool (another item). The tool is not destroyed in the process, but you must have it with you.
In addition to the tool, you need components. Each time you make something, one charge of each component is consumed.
A recipe always requires that you have a certain skill. However, you do not have to be of a certain skill level. Just have the skill is enough.
A recipe is sometimes time restricted, so you can only make it every X minutes. (Coffee is not, however).
There are several ways to learn recipes:
New recipes are usually discussed in threadID:757806.1,
by required skill in alphabetical order: