let us get a few new options that appear as pictures next to the word "input" lets take apple pies for example and assume that cinnamon is added to the game. the picture of cinnamon has an indicator like a yellow ring around it to show that its optional and it starts greyed out. left clicking it would color it in and turn the ring green showing that you will now use said ingredient. using it would add more FEPs to whatever food you're making, in this case more con feps to the apple pie.
this would be an easy way to beef up underused recipes. and even allow for alternative recipes. like red pigment for example. if roses were added to the game, you would have to click poppies or roses to be used. and if both are used you simply get more dye.