After the close call with my cherished Better Homes and Gardens sugar cookie recipe, I decided to get busy organizing the myriad print-outs, photocopies, 3 x 5 cards, magazine clips, and product packaging that comprises my recipe collection.
Organizing recipes is one of those rare projects that is actually kind of fun. It involves the following steps:
- Choose what format to use (i.e. 3 x 5 cards, binder, Circa notebook, etc.)
- Buy the supplies. For a binder or Circa notebook, you'll need the binder or notebook itself and some tab dividers. Page protectors are optional.
- Gather up your recipes.
- Determine the categories.
- Make the labels for tabs/categories. The labels can be hand- or computer-printed.
- Review your recipes for any duplicates; edit out any that you no longer are interested in.
- Insert the recipes under the suitable category.
Optional fussing includes:
- Making copies of any recipes that are torn or faded;
- Slipping the recipes into page protectors;
- Alphabetizing the recipes under each category, and
- Creating an index of the recipes.
Tomorrow we'll go over choosing the right format, as well as tricks and tips for getting your recipes range-ready.