This terrific recipe book was in the package from Mary Wood (Scottish Nanna)–as if the blue and white appliqued table cloth wasn't enough of a birthday present to me! Her daughter in law makes them, and I think it is a fabulous idea. How sweet and thoughtful a gift this is.
In fact, I have several of this type of notebook for keeping my recipes, and as you will see, I was sorely in need of a new one.
My first notebook is over 25 years old. Well used, as evidenced by the splotches and grease stains on the pages. This little book has held together pretty well, but all the pages are full.
My second notebook is about 15 years old, and is totally falling apart. Not so easy to find the page I need when all the pages are falling every which way. The chili recipe was stuck in with the salad section, so I never would have located it! Obviously I need to recopy these recipes into a new book, and now I can do that.
The recipes in these two notebooks are recipes that I have found in magazines or online, or that were given to me by family and friends. I have a third notebook where I jot down recipes that I love that are actually in cook books that I own. I know that sounds weird, but I can never remember if it was the Barefoot Contessa, Giada, Rachel, or Paula Deen who made that perfect cole slaw, pound cake, or shrimp pasta, so this helps me out a lot. I just copy the recipe from the cookbook into my notebook and it is always right where I can find it.
I would love to know how you all store your recipes. I started out as a newlywed with a little recipe box that held my recipes on 3 by 5 index cards. Didn't like that system so well, as I could never find things fast enough. I discovered the notebook idea many years ago, and liked it better, as things were organized in indexed sections. So how do you keep organized?
60 responses to “How Do You Keep Your Recipes?”
I have a 3 ring binder that I keep recipes printed from on-line sources, friends, or clipped recipes that are taped onto paper. I also have a recipe box and book that holds the small recipe cards. And I have recipes floating around my kitchen. Ah to be fully organized and to have stay it that way.
I have a 3 ring binder that I keep recipes printed from on-line sources, friends, or clipped recipes that are taped onto paper. I also have a recipe box and book that holds the small recipe cards. And I have recipes floating around my kitchen. Ah to be fully organized and to have stay it that way.
I have a 3-ring binder with page protectors and little tabs for each type of food – appetizers, soups, salads, fruity desserts, cakes, cookies, etc. It’s getting pretty full. I’m thinking about migrating the dessert sections to their own binder. The page protectors are great because I don’t have to worry about magazine clippings falling out. I just stuff them in to there. Yeah, I’m a nerd.
I have a 3-ring binder with page protectors and little tabs for each type of food – appetizers, soups, salads, fruity desserts, cakes, cookies, etc. It’s getting pretty full. I’m thinking about migrating the dessert sections to their own binder. The page protectors are great because I don’t have to worry about magazine clippings falling out. I just stuff them in to there. Yeah, I’m a nerd.
Hi!
What a lovely recipe notebook that Mary also sent and that her most talented DIL made!!! Well done!
My recipes are still in those little recipe boxes on 3×5 note cards. I have my mother’s 3 recipe boxes, and two from my grandmother so it can get confusing. Oh, did I say we have more than 100 cookbooks, too? I have a 3 ring notebook that I copy special recipes into.
As for your recipe book that’s falling apart, I’d see if a 3 hole punch would make those pages fit into a 3 ring binder. If not, perhaps a old fashioned stationery store could bind it? Either of those ideas would mean you don’t have to re-copy your recipes.
Hugs!
Hi!
What a lovely recipe notebook that Mary also sent and that her most talented DIL made!!! Well done!
My recipes are still in those little recipe boxes on 3×5 note cards. I have my mother’s 3 recipe boxes, and two from my grandmother so it can get confusing. Oh, did I say we have more than 100 cookbooks, too? I have a 3 ring notebook that I copy special recipes into.
As for your recipe book that’s falling apart, I’d see if a 3 hole punch would make those pages fit into a 3 ring binder. If not, perhaps a old fashioned stationery store could bind it? Either of those ideas would mean you don’t have to re-copy your recipes.
Hugs!
I type up my recipes on my computer. Then I print them out 8 1/2 by 11 and store them alphabetically in a Desk File sorter. It’s like a binder but without rings, and has a tabbed page for each letter of the alphabet.
I type up my recipes on my computer. Then I print them out 8 1/2 by 11 and store them alphabetically in a Desk File sorter. It’s like a binder but without rings, and has a tabbed page for each letter of the alphabet.
I wish I had a good answer to this question. I have them in notebooks, cards and stuffed in a recipe holder. I keep thinking I need to get them organized. My sister is putting them all on the computer and is planning on printing them as a book for her daughter and granddaughters.
I wish I had a good answer to this question. I have them in notebooks, cards and stuffed in a recipe holder. I keep thinking I need to get them organized. My sister is putting them all on the computer and is planning on printing them as a book for her daughter and granddaughters.
I print my recipes onto 8.5 X 11 paper and put them in page protectors. I am a messy cook so it saves the recipes from ruin. I used to have one binder and separated them by deividers but over the years I have so many I have a small binder for each section. I also try to pick a week or two of meals out at a time so I can plan my grocery shopping and menu. these recipes go into my “This week” binder so I know what I have supplies for.
I print my recipes onto 8.5 X 11 paper and put them in page protectors. I am a messy cook so it saves the recipes from ruin. I used to have one binder and separated them by deividers but over the years I have so many I have a small binder for each section. I also try to pick a week or two of meals out at a time so I can plan my grocery shopping and menu. these recipes go into my “This week” binder so I know what I have supplies for.
Such a precious design for the recipe notebook! It reminds me of pages that I sometimes put together for scrapbooking. My kitchen only has about 3 cookbooks, one recipe box from YEARS ago, and a 3-ring binder with indexes that I keep recipes that I get from friends or online sources.
Such a precious design for the recipe notebook! It reminds me of pages that I sometimes put together for scrapbooking. My kitchen only has about 3 cookbooks, one recipe box from YEARS ago, and a 3-ring binder with indexes that I keep recipes that I get from friends or online sources.
I keep mine in 4 file folders. Orange – Autumn, Green Winter/Holidays,Green – Spring, and Yellow – Summer. I started the folders as a way to begin organizing them, thinking I would come up with a fabulous file system…so many of the recipes I use really are seasonal, and I only keep the current folder in the kitchen.
On the inside cover of the folder I jot down favorite recipes that would belong in the file, but are in cookbooks I own.
I keep mine in 4 file folders. Orange – Autumn, Green Winter/Holidays,Green – Spring, and Yellow – Summer. I started the folders as a way to begin organizing them, thinking I would come up with a fabulous file system…so many of the recipes I use really are seasonal, and I only keep the current folder in the kitchen.
On the inside cover of the folder I jot down favorite recipes that would belong in the file, but are in cookbooks I own.
I used to have all mine on 4X6 cards – typed. Just two months ago I revamped it all, ditched recipes I haven’t made in 10 or 20 years, and now all are printed on 8 1/2 by 11 sheets of paper, and in sheet protectors. They are all in a binder. I may have to split it into two binders, more to accommodate shelf space than because I have that many recipes.
This format makes it easy to insert stuff I’ve copied or cut out of magazines also.
I used to have all mine on 4X6 cards – typed. Just two months ago I revamped it all, ditched recipes I haven’t made in 10 or 20 years, and now all are printed on 8 1/2 by 11 sheets of paper, and in sheet protectors. They are all in a binder. I may have to split it into two binders, more to accommodate shelf space than because I have that many recipes.
This format makes it easy to insert stuff I’ve copied or cut out of magazines also.
Recipes? What are those? Ha! Although when my Mother passed away I found that TasteBook dot com was the best way to preserve all her honored recipes. It looks like a professional book, but can still be updated with additional pages whenever I have the steam to type in more recipes.
Recipes? What are those? Ha! Although when my Mother passed away I found that TasteBook dot com was the best way to preserve all her honored recipes. It looks like a professional book, but can still be updated with additional pages whenever I have the steam to type in more recipes.
My recipe notebook is more than 30 years old. I really need a new one too. Think I’ll make me one. I saw one that Brenda at Cozy Little House had made from an old appointment diary. It was very cute. At least I think it was Brenda.
My recipe notebook is more than 30 years old. I really need a new one too. Think I’ll make me one. I saw one that Brenda at Cozy Little House had made from an old appointment diary. It was very cute. At least I think it was Brenda.
I have a 3×5 index card box with the recipes I stole (okay, copied) out of my mother’s recipe box, plus a few others I have added. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot in there as I was not such an adventurous eater at the time. But it’s not hard to find what I’m looking for as everything is alphabetized, with the desserts alphabetized separately.
Now, I mostly search my blog! lol I’ve been thinking about trying to put together a 3 ring binder, but I’ve never quite gotten around to it. I just have stacks of printed out recipes waiting to be filed.
I have a 3×5 index card box with the recipes I stole (okay, copied) out of my mother’s recipe box, plus a few others I have added. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot in there as I was not such an adventurous eater at the time. But it’s not hard to find what I’m looking for as everything is alphabetized, with the desserts alphabetized separately.
Now, I mostly search my blog! lol I’ve been thinking about trying to put together a 3 ring binder, but I’ve never quite gotten around to it. I just have stacks of printed out recipes waiting to be filed.
I am just starting to organize my recipies onto cards and into a box (that I got for Crhistmas)… because I think they look cute that way. Rigth now they are everywhere, loose, all sorts of different sized papers or pieces of paper. Completely unorganized! Can’t wait to see what everyone writes… because I really need help with this.
I am just starting to organize my recipies onto cards and into a box (that I got for Crhistmas)… because I think they look cute that way. Rigth now they are everywhere, loose, all sorts of different sized papers or pieces of paper. Completely unorganized! Can’t wait to see what everyone writes… because I really need help with this.
oh Nicole . . . don’t copy them over . . . your recipe books are charming and someday will be so important to your family . . . just the way they are . . .
I took all of my mother’s recipes . . . in various organization and have them all in a box . . . my DIL’s love going through them . . . they love seeing how people kept recipes over the years . . .
mine are in various organization too . . . but I like them that way . . . there is so much family history in all of it . . .
your book that is falling apart . . . Staples can bind that for you !! . . . for very little money . . .
I just recently had them bind a bunch of quilt patterns for me into a book . . . so much easier for me now . . .
hope this helps . . .
oh Nicole . . . don’t copy them over . . . your recipe books are charming and someday will be so important to your family . . . just the way they are . . .
I took all of my mother’s recipes . . . in various organization and have them all in a box . . . my DIL’s love going through them . . . they love seeing how people kept recipes over the years . . .
mine are in various organization too . . . but I like them that way . . . there is so much family history in all of it . . .
your book that is falling apart . . . Staples can bind that for you !! . . . for very little money . . .
I just recently had them bind a bunch of quilt patterns for me into a book . . . so much easier for me now . . .
hope this helps . . .
I don’t really use any of the above.
I am a bit of a tech junkie so I keep my most used recipes on my computer.
I’ll print out the recipe when I need it and keep it in a book holder and when that printout falls apart, I print it out again.
I’ll scan recipes from my cook books onto the computer if I think I’ll forget where to find it and will keep them in particular folders if I need to, but mostly it’s in the recipe folder. I have the folder backed up on a hard drive in case the computer falters (which has happened).
I love the system, especially now that I have an iPad I can just put the recipe on the iPad and can scroll through it w/o actually printing it.
My daughter has developed the same system but she just plops her laptop on the counter and away she goes.
No need for recipe cards in my house.
I do the same thing for my favorite patterns. It allows me to keep a soft copy of the pattern – where I can write and scribble on, avoiding any damage to the original.
I don’t really use any of the above.
I am a bit of a tech junkie so I keep my most used recipes on my computer.
I’ll print out the recipe when I need it and keep it in a book holder and when that printout falls apart, I print it out again.
I’ll scan recipes from my cook books onto the computer if I think I’ll forget where to find it and will keep them in particular folders if I need to, but mostly it’s in the recipe folder. I have the folder backed up on a hard drive in case the computer falters (which has happened).
I love the system, especially now that I have an iPad I can just put the recipe on the iPad and can scroll through it w/o actually printing it.
My daughter has developed the same system but she just plops her laptop on the counter and away she goes.
No need for recipe cards in my house.
I do the same thing for my favorite patterns. It allows me to keep a soft copy of the pattern – where I can write and scribble on, avoiding any damage to the original.
i hate to admit it, but mine are sort of here, there, and everywhere. I have a notebook that my grandmother wrote all of her recipes in. My step-sister published my step-mom’s recipes… but everything else is everywhere. Once I get this teaching thing figured out, I plan on putting the recipes in those old black/white composition books… organized by desserts, main dishes, etc…… Someday.
i hate to admit it, but mine are sort of here, there, and everywhere. I have a notebook that my grandmother wrote all of her recipes in. My step-sister published my step-mom’s recipes… but everything else is everywhere. Once I get this teaching thing figured out, I plan on putting the recipes in those old black/white composition books… organized by desserts, main dishes, etc…… Someday.
I’m a recipe box girl. I have a vintage box I love and when I find a resipe I love, it goes in the box. Although I have been using the internet for finding new recipes lately.
I’m a recipe box girl. I have a vintage box I love and when I find a resipe I love, it goes in the box. Although I have been using the internet for finding new recipes lately.
I have typed them in to Tastebook.com and then over time have added pictures of them and have ordered myself and several close family members a really nice printed cookbook of them! It has worked out really nice and the family recipes get passed down this way!
I have typed them in to Tastebook.com and then over time have added pictures of them and have ordered myself and several close family members a really nice printed cookbook of them! It has worked out really nice and the family recipes get passed down this way!
Hi Nicole, I’ve got tons of cookbooks despite the fact that I gave away two boxes full last year. I use an Excel Spreadsheet with ‘Worksheets’ by category and when I try a recipe that I want to make again I enter the source into the appropriate spreadsheet. For recipes that I’ve clipped I have file folders by category until I actually make them – then they either become a word document in ‘Carla’s Recipes’ file on the laptop which I can take into the kitchen(with the appropriate reference in the Excel document) or, if they did not get a “passing grade” get tossed. But then there are also the recipes that have never been written down….perhaps one day in the distant future they too will get organized.
Hi Nicole, I’ve got tons of cookbooks despite the fact that I gave away two boxes full last year. I use an Excel Spreadsheet with ‘Worksheets’ by category and when I try a recipe that I want to make again I enter the source into the appropriate spreadsheet. For recipes that I’ve clipped I have file folders by category until I actually make them – then they either become a word document in ‘Carla’s Recipes’ file on the laptop which I can take into the kitchen(with the appropriate reference in the Excel document) or, if they did not get a “passing grade” get tossed. But then there are also the recipes that have never been written down….perhaps one day in the distant future they too will get organized.
How cute! I use a binder I bought at hallmark.
How cute! I use a binder I bought at hallmark.
In a 3 ringed binder with each page in a plastic sleeve. This way I pull out the recipe, get “stuff” all over it, wipe it down and put it back. And of course there is that stack of loose papers and clippings tucked into the front flap on the binder!
In a 3 ringed binder with each page in a plastic sleeve. This way I pull out the recipe, get “stuff” all over it, wipe it down and put it back. And of course there is that stack of loose papers and clippings tucked into the front flap on the binder!
Nicole I have an old recipe book that the school’s used to put outI have had it for years My dil made me A book to hold my verses for my greetings cards that i make I will put A photo of it on my Blog.
Hugs Mary.
PS I hope you have many good years with your new book I am glad you like it.
Nicole I have an old recipe book that the school’s used to put outI have had it for years My dil made me A book to hold my verses for my greetings cards that i make I will put A photo of it on my Blog.
Hugs Mary.
PS I hope you have many good years with your new book I am glad you like it.
I still have the old 4×6 recipe cards stored in 2 wooden boxes and of course the standard Betty Crocker (50’s style) CookBook. Recently started putting recipes into a 3-ring binder with sheet protectors. Also this summer I even did a down sizing on the recipes I had clipped from magaznes over the year.
I still have the old 4×6 recipe cards stored in 2 wooden boxes and of course the standard Betty Crocker (50’s style) CookBook. Recently started putting recipes into a 3-ring binder with sheet protectors. Also this summer I even did a down sizing on the recipes I had clipped from magaznes over the year.
I keep mine everywhere: on my computer, printed off the computer and in page protectors, stuffed in the front of my 3-ring binder, cut from magazines and piled up “to do something with” someday, on 3×5 cards in a cute Longaberger recipe basket. I am not one to give organizing advice. If I am looking for a favorite recipe, I look for the dirtiest ones first because I am also a messy cook. The good ones have the most stains.
I keep mine everywhere: on my computer, printed off the computer and in page protectors, stuffed in the front of my 3-ring binder, cut from magazines and piled up “to do something with” someday, on 3×5 cards in a cute Longaberger recipe basket. I am not one to give organizing advice. If I am looking for a favorite recipe, I look for the dirtiest ones first because I am also a messy cook. The good ones have the most stains.
I do a combination – 3×5, couple notebook type, of course too many cookbooks with post-it notes flagging pages that are well loved. Then I have a paper bag with recipies clipped out of places, yet to be tried, so haven’t wanted to use up the time to write in another form…this one makes me smile as it’s so funny to spill them all out.
I do a combination – 3×5, couple notebook type, of course too many cookbooks with post-it notes flagging pages that are well loved. Then I have a paper bag with recipies clipped out of places, yet to be tried, so haven’t wanted to use up the time to write in another form…this one makes me smile as it’s so funny to spill them all out.
Nicole, the notebook is beautiful..what a lovely gift! Like yourself and others, I started with the index cards, and then onto a alphabetically index notebook. When it needed rewriting a third time (I am a messy cook) we had a computer and printer…so I typed all my favourites (discarded others), decorated with clipart etc, printed and stored them in a plastic a sleeve folder. It works great and they stay clean! I also have a floating plastic sleeve for recipes to try. BTW I type out favourite recipes from the books I own also as it is fustrating trying to remember which book they are in. Cheers
Nicole, the notebook is beautiful..what a lovely gift! Like yourself and others, I started with the index cards, and then onto a alphabetically index notebook. When it needed rewriting a third time (I am a messy cook) we had a computer and printer…so I typed all my favourites (discarded others), decorated with clipart etc, printed and stored them in a plastic a sleeve folder. It works great and they stay clean! I also have a floating plastic sleeve for recipes to try. BTW I type out favourite recipes from the books I own also as it is fustrating trying to remember which book they are in. Cheers
I print my recipes out on 4×6 cards and keep them in inexpensive, waterproof photo albums. Since I have to put them on my computer to print them out, I keep a recipe file in my computer so that I can print them out easily for friends who ask for a recipe.
Patty
I print my recipes out on 4×6 cards and keep them in inexpensive, waterproof photo albums. Since I have to put them on my computer to print them out, I keep a recipe file in my computer so that I can print them out easily for friends who ask for a recipe.
Patty
Mine are in total disarray but I awlays seem to find them. I need to check out this tastebook site
Mine are in total disarray but I awlays seem to find them. I need to check out this tastebook site
I have a little basket that holds the recipe cards and I’ve begun to type up on 8 1/2 x 11 paper the ones I use all the time. BUT here’s the kicker…I type them up in like 22 font so I can read them without my reading glasses. When that revelation hit me, I was a happy cooker. I was always frustrated at having to put the glasses on the read them, take them off to work, put them on, take them, ad infinitum. They go in sheet protectors into a binder ABC fashion. I also type the name of the recipe in the header section, right and left, so I can see the name from either side of the binder. Ta da…
I have a little basket that holds the recipe cards and I’ve begun to type up on 8 1/2 x 11 paper the ones I use all the time. BUT here’s the kicker…I type them up in like 22 font so I can read them without my reading glasses. When that revelation hit me, I was a happy cooker. I was always frustrated at having to put the glasses on the read them, take them off to work, put them on, take them, ad infinitum. They go in sheet protectors into a binder ABC fashion. I also type the name of the recipe in the header section, right and left, so I can see the name from either side of the binder. Ta da…
Mine were in a notebook like yours but when that started falling apart my kids got me a recipe book binder. Each plastic page protector is divided into 2 pockets that fit recipe cards. It has been great – the convenience of a book or binder, but I can slip pages in and out for convenience, and wipe them clean when I make a mess.
I have started notebooks like yours for the kids though, adding recipes as they request them.
Mine were in a notebook like yours but when that started falling apart my kids got me a recipe book binder. Each plastic page protector is divided into 2 pockets that fit recipe cards. It has been great – the convenience of a book or binder, but I can slip pages in and out for convenience, and wipe them clean when I make a mess.
I have started notebooks like yours for the kids though, adding recipes as they request them.