:: Recipe Organization ::
If you are anything like me, a beautiful magazine focused on food, wine, design, or the outdoors is a prized read as a mother. I still love a hard copy version of a magazine. They are quick and easy when life is hectic. The problem is, all of those Martha Stewart Living, Sunset Magazine, and HGTV Magazines start to pile up. The dog-eared pages of recipes, vacations, and DIY’s start to multiply in my magazine rack {that in it self seems to be a black hole}. So with the mantra and song that beats to the rhythm of Olivia Newton John’s “Physical”, I myself want to “Get organized, organized.”
The best way to do that with recipes is to organize them in a binder. I know I know there is such a thing as cataloging recipes on websites etc., but I am old fashioned and I love the recipes I have collected over years. I also enjoy and often download recipes from blogs that I follow, as well as from Pinterest. Yes it is somewhat of an upkeep, but it is the easiest way to find a recipe for a special occasion or for a quick and easy family dinner.
Here is what you need:
* 1 inch or 2 inch 3 ring binder {remember you can also put index recipe cards in this folder}.
* A package of clear folder inserts
* A package of Post It Note Tabs
Now here comes the organizing part. I decided to go through all of my folded up and jotted down recipes that I had in a recipe box. I made piles of the recipes based on their likeness, such as Appetizers, Beverages, Breakfast, Lunch, Soup/Salads, Sides, Dinner, and Desserts. Next I went through all of my magazines that were at least a couple months old and tore out all of the dog-eared recipes that seemed like “real” potentials of being made. I then added them to the piles. The next step was sliding in two recipes {front and back} in a clear folder insert.
I then added the categories via a Post It Note Tab. This helps to separate the beginning and ending of a new food category, making it easier to locate a recipe.
The last part of building your recipe organizer is simply adding the pages into your notebook. Starting with your first tab followed by all the recipes that fall within that category. Really that’s it!
Yes a few steps, but once you have your recipes organized it will cut your time in the kitchen significantly. For me, it is a cinch to open up my notebook to find a recipe that is an oldie but goodie, or a recent inspiration I have yet to make. It truly makes your magazine piles manageable and it allows for less paper clutter thus making meal planning easier! What are some ways in which you organize your recipes? Let us know we would love to hear from you {smile}!
