small batches

hi all

im looking at a couple of recipies that i fancy trying but im only wanting to make small amounts to start with

is it as easy as simply adjusting the ingredients to match the liquid vol

I've done this before with no ill effects. I've made a few 2 and/or 2.5 gallon batches; I simply adjust the chosen recipe by a factor of 40-50%.

EDIT: A good tool to have if you are going to do this is a good digital (or otherwise) scale that measures to very small increments (1/4 of ounce, etc.). Sometimes measuring out 40% of the ingredients can become a little difficult to do without a good scale. You can always "guesstimate" (for example for 40% of an ounce of hops you could take a 1oz. pack of hops and divide into 5 equal piles to get a 1/5 oz., then use 2 of the piles) and make good beer, however being exact is always better!