During the holidays, I find myself trying out lots of new recipes — for sweets, for appetizers, for main courses and side dishes.

Though I have more than my share of cookbooks, I use the Internet for a lot of recipes. In discussing this with a friend, I thought it might be helpful to share a few of my favorite hints about using online recipes.

• Always read a recipe the whole way through before you even decide to make it. You don't want to be 1 hour until dinner and discover that something has to roast for 90 minutes and rest for 15. Also, not all recipe writers are skilled. Now and again you'll find one who mentions a step you needed to take AFTER THE OPPORTUNITY to take it has passed (like beating cream to soft peaks before combining it). Reading ahead isn't being a spoiler. It's avoiding spoiling a recipe.
• When possible, I like to read two or three versions of the same recipe. After all, there's more than one way to stuff a mushroom cap. By reading several recipes, I get a better sense of the possibilities (and I can decide which is easiest).
• When possible, read the reviews that accompany the recipe. I've found them to be a treasure trove of good advice. They suggest easier techniques and more common ingredients that are an easy substitute (I still have a bottle of hazelnut oil from which I used 1 tablespoon!). I've even found that comments can highlight a missing step in the recipe.

Do you use online recipes? If so, what are your hints?