Recipe Organization

I admit it. I love collecting recipes from magazines. I think it is because I was never comfortable in the kitchen before. I am not one of those people that can just make up a recipe with a little of this and a pinch of that. I need guidance. Tell me what to do EXACTLY.

So, I started collecting recipes from magazines. But, as many of you know, this can become overwhelming. All of sudden, there is a stack of ripped out pages of magazines. What do you do with all of them? Here is what I do:

I carefully tear out the page with the recipe that looks delicious (or that looks like the kids might not turn their noses up towards). I keep these pages in a file folder sorted by category (i.e. Entrees, desserts, breakfast, sides, etc.) Now, I used to automatically put them on recipe cards (several at a sitting to try and catch up on them). Then, I realized that even though they look or sound good, we may not really like them. And, why waste my recipe cards, my time, and space in the recipe box for something we won't ever eat!

So, what I started doing was leaving them in the file folder. Then, when I make my grocery list for the week, I pick one to three of those recipes to try. I write any ingredients that I might need for those recipes on the list, and then hang the recipe by a clip on the fridge. After making the recipe and deciding whether or not it is a keeper, I either toss the recipe if it got a "thumbs-down", or I proceed with cutting it neatly, and gluing it to the recipe card. (I am not going to spend time re-writing the recipe when it is so neatly typed in the magazine!) I also prefer to cut out the picture of the dish and glue it to the back of the card. I like to see what the finished product is "supposed" to look like when I am finished cooking it. Plus, I am a visual person, and it is easier for me to look at the picture and decide if it something I want to eat, rather than having to read the ingredients and try to remember why I chose to keep this recipe.

This system has worked for me to keep my recipes contained neatly and to give us variety in our meals. I do recommend that you think twice about a recipe before tearing it from the magazine. Think: "Am I REALLY going to ever cook this, or does it just sound/look good?" Don't just collect recipes to collect recipes. They are meant to be tools to help in the kitchen. Not just one more thing to take up space in the kitchen.

I have definitely gotten a lot more comfortable in the kitchen and now feel secure in making up some meals on my own. Nothing fancy, but more than just mac 'n cheese from a box!