Abstract: A portable ingredients system is provided. An example assembly attaches to the side of a kettle, mixing bowl, pot, vat, or vessel and adds ingredients at programmed intervals. In an implementation, only that part of the assembly that adds the ingredients is located over the kettle or vessel. In an implementation, a microprocessor controls a stepper motor to precisely drive a rotary dispenser containing the ingredients to be added separately at time intervals. The example assembly may be preloaded with ingredients for a recipe, such as for mixing a batter, making a soup, or brewing a beer, for example. The assembly may be preprogrammed with one or more electronic recipes for instructing the microprocessor to create the intended food or drink item using ingredients, such as preloaded ingredients.