When you have the money to fuck up.

When you’re sober.

For me I’m usually getting hungry by the time I’m cooking something new but I’m not cooking a new recipe because I was hungry. Let me explain.
I’m hungry -> I cook something like usual because I’m hungry now
Wheres: I have an idea/inspiration -> time passes -> go to the store for ingredients -> time passes until the next meal so I’m hungry again -> cook the new recipe

Yeah, sometimes it takes longer than expected and people get a bit too hungry, or sometimes you make a mistake and ruin the meal but oh well. The more you do it, the better you will be at anticipating errors and avoiding them. Especially if you also focus on the why not just the how when learning new techniques/recipes. Also, many recipes leave out some of the most important information, e.g.: mix the dough. It’ll probably say mix for X minutes. What is the expected consistency; does temperature matter - if so, why; am I trying to develop gluten here or avoid it? (baking is trickier for me, hence the example)
By understanding the why and not just blindly following the recipe you will achieve consistent results much faster than by trial and error.

I still try to avoid making something completely new to me when inviting guests, but otherwise all bets are off.

Depends on the recipe, but in general I’d prefer to eat first.

Definitely like to cook something new whenever I’m either just a little hungry or I can eat while I’m cooking. For example, I tried making a mango salsa the other day and was able to snack on the mango while I was slicing everything else.

Also depends how big the new thing is though. If I’m attempting a whole new dinner recipe, I’d almost rather make it in the middle of the day when I’m not hungry at all and definitely am not ready to eat dinner. Lots of time to both clean up a disaster and fix something different for dinner without being hangry. But something small and easily replaceable, or doesn’t have a ton of cleanup? Whatever. Any times fine for that.

When you got plenty of time. First time you make something it always takes longer then expected.

I definitely recommend it when you have back up, lol