Most of my mother's recipes are written with measurements but you better understand the method because the directions are rather sketchy on most and missing on some. Fortunately I saw her cook and have enough experience that it isn't a problem. There is one recipe in particular that she guessed the amounts. I've been able to recreate it and have written down the measurements except for one. Eyeballing enough allspice is a bit tricky and I'm still working on the correct amount.