I’ve seen arguments for and against recipe copyright and wonder why do people not just look and cite a credible source?!

From the U.S. Copyright Office website:

A mere listing of ingredients is not protected under copyright law. However, where a recipe or formula is accompanied by substantial literary expression in the form of an explanation or directions, or when there is a collection of recipes as in a cookbook, there may be a basis for copyright protection. Note that if you have secret ingredients to a recipe that you do not wish to be revealed, you should not submit your recipe for registration, because applications and deposit copies are public records.

Additional questions should be directed to legal counsel. Same if you have tax questions.