diff --git a/.gitea/workflows/validate_recipes.yml b/.gitea/workflows/validate_recipes.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..785e2a2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitea/workflows/validate_recipes.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+name: Validate Markdown Format
+on:
+  push:
+  workflow_dispatch:
+
+jobs:
+  Validate-Recipes:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout repository
+        uses: actions/checkout@v7
+      - name: Download & unzip schematter # once releases become more stable, unpin from specific version
+        run: wget https://github.com/iwe-org/schematter/releases/download/schematter-v0.2.0/schematter-v0.2.0-x86_64-unknown-linux-gnu.tar.gz && tar -xvzf schematter-v0.2.0-x86_64-unknown-linux-gnu.tar.gz
+      - name: Validate markdown
+        run: find recipes -name '*.md' -print0 | xargs -0 ./schematter validate --schema recipes/recipe-schema.yml
diff --git a/recipes/chocolate-pudding-custard.md b/recipes/desserts/chocolate-pudding-custard.md
similarity index 62%
rename from recipes/chocolate-pudding-custard.md
rename to recipes/desserts/chocolate-pudding-custard.md
index 13a1b38..4fd852d 100644
--- a/recipes/chocolate-pudding-custard.md
+++ b/recipes/desserts/chocolate-pudding-custard.md
@@ -1,21 +1,22 @@
 # Sherry Yard's Milk Chocolate Custard (Pudding)
 **From Chris Bardeloza, modified slightly by Evan**
 
-## Ingredients
-### Custard Base
-- 2 cups heavy cream
-- ½ cup whole milk
-- 6 oz high-quality chocolate (60% cacao), finely chopped
-- 5 large egg yolks
-- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
-- 1 tsp vanilla extract
-- pinch salt
+A rich and creamy chocolate custard. 
 
-### Optional toppings
-- whipped cream
-- chocolate wafer crumbs (for "dirt")
-- shaved chocolate
-- caramelized parsnips with Sherry Vinegar for a unique twist
+## Ingredients
+- **Custard Base**
+    - 2 cups heavy cream
+    - ½ cup whole milk
+    - 6 oz high-quality chocolate (60% cacao), finely chopped
+    - 5 large egg yolks
+    - ⅓ cup granulated sugar
+    - 1 tsp vanilla extract
+    - pinch salt
+- **Optional Toppings**
+    - whipped cream
+    - chocolate wafer crumbs (for "dirt")
+    - shaved chocolate
+    - caramelized parsnips with Sherry Vinegar for a unique twist
 
 ## Instructions
 1. Heat cream and milk in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes before whisking smooth.
diff --git a/recipes/creme-brulee.md b/recipes/desserts/creme-brulee.md
similarity index 100%
rename from recipes/creme-brulee.md
rename to recipes/desserts/creme-brulee.md
diff --git a/recipes/recipe-schema.yml b/recipes/recipe-schema.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8b1f8c1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/recipes/recipe-schema.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+description: a recipe card
+
+sections:
+  - header: { pattern: ".+" }
+    description: every recipe needs a non-empty title
+    blocks:
+      - type: paragraph
+        text: { pattern: '^(By|From) .+$' }
+        description: every recipe needs a byline starting with 'By' or 'From'
+      - type: paragraph
+        description: every recipe needs a short description
+
+    sections:
+      - header: { const: Ingredients }
+        description: every recipe needs an ingredient list
+        maxContains: 1
+        blocks:
+          - type: bullet-list
+            minItems: 1
+        additionalBlocks: false
+
+      - header: { const: Instructions }
+        description: numbered steps, not a bullet list
+        maxContains: 1
+        blocks:
+          - type: ordered-list
+            minItems: 1
+        additionalBlocks: false
+
+additionalSections: true
diff --git a/recipes/red-beans-and-rice.md b/recipes/red-beans-and-rice.md
index f5df959..901bd6c 100644
--- a/recipes/red-beans-and-rice.md
+++ b/recipes/red-beans-and-rice.md
@@ -1,4 +1,8 @@
-# Red Beans & Rice
+# Red Beans & Andouille
+**By Evan Scherrer**
+
+My rendition of red beans & rice, inspired by a dish my mom made while I was growing up
+
 ## Ingredients
 * red beans
 * bacon
diff --git a/recipes/tomato-meat-sauce.md b/recipes/tomato-meat-sauce.md
index 91f2e82..1f8c3dd 100644
--- a/recipes/tomato-meat-sauce.md
+++ b/recipes/tomato-meat-sauce.md
@@ -1,4 +1,8 @@
 # Tomato Meat Sauce
+**By Evan Scherrer**
+
+A standard tomato/meat spaghetti sauce
+
 ## Ingredients
 * 1/2 - 1 lb ground turkey, beef, or italian sausage
 * 1/2 large onion, finely diced