recipe binder...

Several years ago, I got annoyed that my recipes were all over the place--some in different cookbooks, some ripped out of magazines, some online, some handwritten, some printed out.  It was too difficult to keep track of everything, so I made a recipe binder.  I've been working on updating it, so I thought I'd share.

I bought a heavy-duty binder that would be able to withstand a lot of wear-and-tear at an office supply store.  Simple scrapbook paper went in the front pocket for quick and easy cute-ification.

I filled it with sheet protectors and tabbed dividers to create recipe sections:

-main dishes

-soups, stews, & chilis

-side dishes

-salads

-breads

-cookies

-desserts & treats

-condiments & misc.

Then I created a recipe template in Word, so whenever I want to add a new recipe I just fill out the blank template and hit print.  All of the pages look neat and tidy and uniform with the same layout.  

Now after I try out new dishes that we actually like, I just type them up with my own variations or alterations.  Plus, the sheet protectors make it easy to wipe up any crumbs or spills that inevitably happen when I'm cooking.  It's the perfect system for me!

{You can check out some of the recipes I've posted about on the blog HERE.}

How do you keep your family's favorite recipes organized?