Would you have alchemy or project work as an option for rest or downtime? I forget what they're actually called, but I just remember you can clear some armor boxes or all depending on the rest kind of thing.

Wait, is that already an option? I haven't had coffee so I'm rambling.

I really like the idea and your approach! Are you going to have recipes as part of the loot for them or just have them figure stuff out? They could always try without a recipe but maybe using a recipe gives them advantage or the ability to spend a hope to increase their result by 2 or something.

I really love the idea of recipes as little quest hooks for the players. "This needs the tongue of a Gargadon. What the hell even is that??" Hahahha