If I'm baking, I definitely need directions. In fact, I'm obsessive about getting measurements exact when making things for the first time.
I tried making sweet bread without directions, and it was deadly. Sure, I based it off a banana bread recipe, but it turned out pretty nasty, as it was too eggy and sweet.
With things on the stove, such as stir-fry dishes, I don't really use recipies. However, the next time I use celery, I'm definitely looking something up. The last celery dish I made was horrible. I threw some beef, celery, cornstarch, and soy sauce in a wok, and I created a monster.
Jam it back in, in the dark.