Tuesday Tips-Make life easier!
Today’s tip is to organize your recipes using a 3 ring binder.
I know that many people keep their recipes on index cards or recipe cards, but I like to try new recipes and I have found it easier to print them directly from the computer and add them to my binder. They are also easier to read!
If you would like to try using the binder method, here’s a quick tutorial:
You will need:
3 ring binder with insertable plastic cover (print a simple cover here)
plastic page protectors (optional)
3 ring plastic divider inserts (I like the kind with pockets)
labels
*The best time to buy these supplies is during the back to school sales in July.
I labeled my recipe categories using clear tape and a Sharpie because I was recycling the dividers and the paper labels are long gone. My categories are as follows:
My categories are as follows (click the purple link to see the recipe):
Bread- wheat bread, muffins, freezer waffles, etc.
Chicken-dishes made with chicken like Crunchy Chicken Salad, Mango Salsa Chicken and BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Beef– recipes like Taco Cups and Freeze Ahead Meatballs
Beans- cooking times and instructions, recipes like Spicy Black Beans and Rice
Salads- our favorite salad recipes including Broccoli Slaw Salad, Black Bean and Corn Salsa and Chicken Pasta Salad.
Casseroles and Pasta- tasty recipes like Crustless Quiche, Garlic Shrimp Radiatore
Other- mixes like DIY Taco Seasoning, recipes that don’t fit in my other categories 🙂
Another advantage of using tape to label the dividers is that I can easily change them.
Simply print out recipes you like, place them in page protectors and add them to the appropriate category.
I like to use the pocket dividers because I have a few favorites that I haven’t transferred yet. The cards can fit right in the pocket.
When it’s time to cook, I remove the recipe and use my DIY Magnet Recipe holder.
Click here to print the RECIPE and GOOD FOOD binder covers shown above.
How do you keep your recipes organized? Leave a comment. 🙂
You May Also Enjoy:
I know this doesn’t really go with this post, but I didn’t know where else to post it. I was wondering if you use a bread machine to make your bread or if you buy it? I want to ask for a bread machine for Mother’s Day so I can make fresh homemade bread and I have no idea what is a good brand to get. I am looking for one that is very reasonable but works great! Thanks!
I have used a bread machine in the past, but I ended up using it primarily as a mixer just to knead the dough. I don’t like the way it tastes when it’s baked in the machine. I don’t know any good machines to recommend. Does anyone else?
I have a Pillsbury bread machine and it works wonderful for making basic whole wheat bread but I have not even tried to bake bread just make it and shape it and bake in the oven.
works wonderful for that.
That’s how I use my machine too — basically just a mixer. 🙂
I use a combination….not the most organized, but it depends on where I find the recipe and what I have available. I love my binder best though and have used it since my home ec class my sophmore year of highschool! Seen better days….but I still love it anyhow!
This is what I do too. I love it this way.
I absolutely love this idea! I just added it to my spring cleaning project list. I have been printing out recipes that I want to use and am filing them in hanging files in my office area. I’ll just transfer them over to my new recipe binder. Thank you so much for sharing this fabulous idea!
I just started using this same method in the fall when I suddenly got into finding lots of new recipes online and printing them like crazy. I need to add some “real” dividers since at this point I just have sticky notes with categories on them. But I love having this go-to binder for new favorites and old standbys as well. Now I just must start using your magnetic holder idea to make it easier to keep the recipe at eye level near the stove! love that idea.
I have a binder too. I just reorganized mine into a bigger binder as my old one was over flowing. I added some scrapbook paper to the cover and spine.
That’s what I do! I love those page protectors. I can just pull it out of the binder and not worry about getting anything on it (I admit, I’m a spill-queen). Thanks, Kim!
That is exactly what I do! If only I were a blogger. Sigh.
Kim,
You are so organized. I love it!
Thanks for all that you share what a blessing!
Susan
Love the idea! I use a recipe box, but I think I’m gong to switch. The time it takes to write it down on a small index card could be saved by just printing it out! Thanks for your ministry!