storing your recipesStoring your recipes can become challenging.  They come to us in many ways.  Some are handed down from our Moms in books or cut out of magazines, or even handwritten on index cards.  Now that we are in the digital age, some are printed from emails or from websites, and there are apps on our electronic devices to find & store them.

Everyone is different and your preference for storing your recipes could be different from others.  As mentioned above, there are typically 2 different mediums of recipes; paper and digital.  You can use a combination of the 2 mediums, or use 1 or the other, whatever makes sense to you, it’s a preference.

Storage Options:

  • Electronic devices – laptops, tablets and smart phones are a clutter free way for storing your recipes. There are many apps that are designed with more features than just storage. Some apps integrate meal planning and shopping lists for convenience.
  • Books – cookbooks have been around forever and are probably the most common resource for recipes. Typically, we don’t use all the recipes in each book, so you need a lot of storage space if you have a lot of cookbooks.
  • Binders – binders are a more efficient way for storing your paper recipes. You can consolidate all your recipes from cookbooks, index cards, printed from online, and handwritten notes.  Using clear plastic sheet protectors is a great way to keep your recipes in good shape for years to come.  Organize the pages with categories that make sense to you. Use plastic tabs at the edge of the first page in each category.  Hand write each category or use a label maker.
  • Recipe boxes (for index cards) – recipe boxes use to be very popular. I bet you have one yourself or your Mom may have given you one long ago.

After you decide on the medium you will use for storing your recipes, consider where your recipes will live in your home.  This of course is not an issue when you go digital.  However, the paper medium will require a physical location.

Location Options:

  • Cabinets – consider using a cabinet that has enough space to contain all your binders, books, and/or recipe boxes. If you use them frequently, a cabinet that is easily accessible is the way to go.
  • Counter tops – for those that use recipes frequently, and with available counter space, bookends on the counter is an effective way to corral books & binders.
  • Shelves – if you are short on space in the kitchen, installing a shelf or two on a wall will easily house your books, binders and recipe boxes.

The last thing to consider pertaining to recipes, is how you will view your recipes when you use them.  For tablets, books & binders, using a book easel works very well.  It’s a hands-free option that can be easily viewed while you cook.  A binder clip on top of the easel will hold those index cards from your recipe box. You can find these at book stores as well as craft stores.  Happy cooking & bon appetite!