How do you keep recipes in order?

woogers_1 · 09-20-2008, 11:25 AM

I've had it with all my disorganized papers all over the place with recipes written on them! Its taking forever to find a recipe because it might be shoved in a cookbook, laying by the computer, in a drawer or just missing. I did a search and there are some options out there like recipe accordian binders, make your own cookbooks, and boxes. Just wondering how everyone else stays organized, I have to do something and would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

Sandi76 · 09-20-2008, 11:28 AM

I usually write mine down, and then I roll them and put them in this tiny cup I have by my stove. So, when I need it, I just find it in the cup.

lisabinil · 09-20-2008, 11:30 AM

I use software called Mastercook I got from Bestbuy for $15. It comes loaded with recipes and lets you add & customize yours with all the nutritional info listed, and also lets you make customized cookbooks of your own to print out. I use a three ring binder with dividers to keep my paper recipes organized.

Carrollkay · 09-20-2008, 11:34 AM

I tape important papers and recipes that I use often in side my cabinets.. Works great for me... try it.
Lisa

LESESKI · 09-20-2008, 11:37 AM

I print them out and keep them in a 3-ring binder in my kitchen. I also bought tabs and have them seperated into categories.

BarbDe · 09-20-2008, 11:39 AM

I type them in Word and save them in a file called "recipes"

Shimmer · 09-20-2008, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LESESKI

I print them out and keep them in a 3-ring binder in my kitchen. I also bought tabs and have them seperated into categories.

I do the same thing, 1 recipe to a page and with a photo if available. Linda Sue's are a perfect example, and when DH sees her blue & white plates, he knows it will be something good!

nh_mooser · 09-20-2008, 11:49 AM

Ditto leseski & shimmer.

Love&Luck · 09-20-2008, 12:09 PM

I have a "temp" file in the kitchen where I keep printouts of recipes I want to try. After they pass the sniff test, they graduate to a three ring divided binder. I had recipes everywhere -- scraps of paper, on FoodTV.com in their recipe saver, flagged in cookbooks -- you get the idea. This makes planning much easier.

Margot 65 · 09-20-2008, 12:19 PM

you guys make me look bad... LOL I hardly ever use a recipe but have been known to have stuck post-it notes on my counter back splash until I have a recipe memorized.

I pretty much cook by the seat of my pants LOL it is only hard when someone else asks for my recipe

I do use google a lot, and allrecipes dot com is a great way to save my favorite ones to my account.

woogers_1 · 09-20-2008, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarbDe

I type them in Word and save them in a file called "recipes"

I have a bunch saved like this too, but last year my puter crashed and I lost everything...tough lesson to learn especially losing all my pictures. Thanks for all the replies, I think the binder is the best idea but I'm going to research the mastercook software too. I just have so many, collecting L/C recipes since 2003. I love the idea of adding pics along with the recipe, I also hope to be organized enough to add the persons name that I got the recipe from. Sometimes someone will be looking for a recipe here and I would like to post but half the time I can't remember who to credit for it.

Pleiades · 09-20-2008, 12:37 PM

I have mine scattered in a million places (Word files, Mastercook, saved HTML pages, handwritten on scrap papers, index cards, printed pages in binders/folders). I feel like I will never get organized.

Kris T. · 09-20-2008, 01:28 PM

I print mine out and tape them in my LC cookbook on the front pages and back pages. I try to keep them organized in similar groups.

If something doesn't turn out on the first try, or I hate it I scrap it.

I also scrap recipes that I don't make at least once a month. In other words, only favorites go in my cookbook.

fawn · 09-20-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LESESKI

I print them out and keep them in a 3-ring binder in my kitchen. I also bought tabs and have them seperated into categories.

That's what I do

Nix · 09-20-2008, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LESESKI

I print them out and keep them in a 3-ring binder in my kitchen. I also bought tabs and have them seperated into categories.

Me too!

ladyflower · 09-20-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LESESKI

I print them out and keep them in a 3-ring binder in my kitchen. I also bought tabs and have them seperated into categories.

This is exactly what I do. Works out so well. And your recipes are protected from splatters and spills while cooking by the page protectors.

woogers_1 · 09-20-2008, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pleiades

I have mine scattered in a million places (Word files, Mastercook, saved HTML pages, handwritten on scrap papers, index cards, printed pages in binders/folders). I feel like I will never get organized.

Thats what I got going here...can't stand it anymore! Its time to get in gear and deal with this mess, how about you? Ready to get organized? I just think it would be so nice to pick up one thing and there the recipe will be. Usually by the time I find the piece of paper, I don't have the energy to cook it anymore, lol. Would sure be great to plan and grocery shop in advance too.

ljguitar · 09-20-2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woogers_1

I've had it with all my disorganized papers all over the place with recipes written on them! Its taking forever to find a recipe because it might be shoved in a cookbook, laying by the computer, in a drawer or just missing. I did a search and there are some options out there like recipe accordian binders, make your own cookbooks, and boxes. Just wondering how everyone else stays organized, I have to do something and would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

Hi woogers...
I type them out, and then convert them to pdf format and keep them in a folder on my compuer alphabetized by title. When we are using recipes, and before we learn them well, we print out a copy and keep it by the mixer. We always seem to have half-dozen of them stuck in that spot.

If they are keepers, my wonderful wife turns them into handwritten recipe cards and puts them in her recipe file box...she's been keeping it since she was 12 years old (and she turned 60 this year). All of our best recipes are in there.

JerseyGirl1969 · 09-20-2008, 02:55 PM

I asked for and got as a gift blank recipe books from Borders.

woogers_1 · 09-20-2008, 03:04 PM

I looked at Amazon, found a nice binder, extra sleeves and cards with a shipping only total of $21.00! I went to the company website {c.r.gibson} and for the same items shipping was $5.79...what a difference. I can't wait to get the binder, thanks to everyone who responded!

cabogirl · 09-20-2008, 04:14 PM

I have a folder labeled recipes in Outlook and then subfolders for veggies - breakfast - meats, etc. If I see something on the net I just copy and paste and email to myself. For me it is a lot easier to look on my laptop then actual paper. If I can't find a recipe that I know I have, I can use the "Find" tool in Outlook so I'm not taxing my ol brain!!

pepperette · 09-20-2008, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarbDe

I type them in Word and save them in a file called "recipes"

Me too- and have them divided into categories.

woogers_1 · 09-20-2008, 04:31 PM

Like I said, thats good until your puter crashes. I was devastated last year when it happened to me. Unless you back up everything with an external hard drive, I have a friend who does that.

BarbDe · 09-20-2008, 04:46 PM

I have learned. I have a flash drive with my pics and my recipes backed up on, now.
Almost lost everything a couple months ago. The techies were able to save me. Whew!

ETA: and I copy interesting recipes and paste them in to a word doc as well. I am not typing it all out. LOL.

sugarless4life · 09-20-2008, 06:10 PM

3 Ring Binder filled with Linda Sue's recipes in my kitchen !!! Sorted by main dish, veggies, soups, etc. Its the MOST USED cookbook I own!

Thanks Linda !

Betty

BufoDieter · 09-20-2008, 06:27 PM

I'm looking into using this site (linked below) to publish some cookbooks for myself. For the spiral bound format, it's really inexpensive to have one published.

Lulu

pocahontas · 09-20-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarbDe

I type them in Word and save them in a file called "recipes"

Me too, except that I usually cut and paste so I dont have to retype things.

If I like them, I save them electronically broken out in sub folders like beef, chicken, deserts, etc. and just pull up the recipe on my laptop when I start cooking. DH knows not to mess with my recipe folder on the puter. It is dear to my heart.

rhett · 09-20-2008, 06:29 PM

I print them off the computer, punch holes in the side, and put them in a binder according to catagories, just like a cookbook. The binder stays in a drawer beside the oven. It's the only "cookbook" that I use now.

LS_Oregon · 09-20-2008, 06:35 PM

For receipes I have found online, I do a cut and paste, email them to myself (I have more than one email address) and then put them in a folder in my email account. The email is titled with the type of recipe. My free Gmail account (google) has a great search feature, for searching within emails, so I could search by other features such as cream cheese, Linda Sue, etc. One of these days I will get some software, but until I get my act together, this does okay.

09-20-2008, 11:25 AM	#1
woogers_1 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 324 Gallery: woogers_1 WOE: Atkins Start Date: April 2003, April2008	How do you keep recipes in order? I've had it with all my disorganized papers all over the place with recipes written on them! Its taking forever to find a recipe because it might be shoved in a cookbook, laying by the computer, in a drawer or just missing. I did a search and there are some options out there like recipe accordian binders, make your own cookbooks, and boxes. Just wondering how everyone else stays organized, I have to do something and would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

09-20-2008, 11:28 AM	#2
Sandi76 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. Posts: 660 Gallery: Sandi76 Stats: 230/215/180 WOE: Atkins Start Date: May 15th 2008	I usually write mine down, and then I roll them and put them in this tiny cup I have by my stove. So, when I need it, I just find it in the cup.

09-20-2008, 11:30 AM	#3
lisabinil Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: suburbs of Chicago Posts: 9,287 Gallery: lisabinil Stats: 214/185/180 287 in 00 WOE: higher carb Atkins for optimum health Start Date: SBD 3/5/07,Atkins 4/18/07	I use software called Mastercook I got from Bestbuy for $15. It comes loaded with recipes and lets you add & customize yours with all the nutritional info listed, and also lets you make customized cookbooks of your own to print out. I use a three ring binder with dividers to keep my paper recipes organized.

09-20-2008, 11:34 AM	#4
Carrollkay Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 648 Gallery: Carrollkay Stats: 242/219/170 5'10" WOE: Low Carb Start Date: Sept 01, 2008	I tape important papers and recipes that I use often in side my cabinets.. Works great for me... try it. Lisa

09-20-2008, 11:37 AM	#5
LESESKI Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: South Texas Posts: 420 Gallery: LESESKI	I print them out and keep them in a 3-ring binder in my kitchen. I also bought tabs and have them seperated into categories.

09-20-2008, 11:39 AM	#6
BarbDe Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SE Florida Posts: 3,273 Gallery: BarbDe Stats: Quit smoking 11/4/07; 9/22/08 216/210/170 WOE: Atkins Start Date: August 2004	I type them in Word and save them in a file called "recipes"

09-20-2008, 11:49 AM	#8
nh_mooser Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Southwest corner of NH Posts: 920 Gallery: nh_mooser Stats: 220/190/150 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 7/7/08	Ditto leseski & shimmer.

09-20-2008, 12:09 PM	#9
Love&Luck Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bearcat-land, OH Posts: 84 Gallery: Love&Luck Stats: 220/201/130 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 9/1/08	I have a "temp" file in the kitchen where I keep printouts of recipes I want to try. After they pass the sniff test, they graduate to a three ring divided binder. I had recipes everywhere -- scraps of paper, on FoodTV.com in their recipe saver, flagged in cookbooks -- you get the idea. This makes planning much easier.

09-20-2008, 12:19 PM	#10
Margot 65 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Canada Eh! Posts: 3,321 Gallery: Margot 65 Stats: 210/167/TBD WOE: Hi Fat/Low Carb & Grain Free Start Date: March 2008 (after pregnancy gain)	you guys make me look bad... LOL I hardly ever use a recipe but have been known to have stuck post-it notes on my counter back splash until I have a recipe memorized. I pretty much cook by the seat of my pants LOL it is only hard when someone else asks for my recipe I do use google a lot, and allrecipes dot com is a great way to save my favorite ones to my account.

09-20-2008, 12:37 PM	#12
Pleiades MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: OBX Posts: 1,769 Gallery: Pleiades Stats: 191/143.5/115 (5'2") WOE: BFFM/NROL Start Date: January 1, 2007	I have mine scattered in a million places (Word files, Mastercook, saved HTML pages, handwritten on scrap papers, index cards, printed pages in binders/folders). I feel like I will never get organized.

09-20-2008, 01:28 PM	#13
Kris T. MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: SF in SF Posts: 1,764 Gallery: Kris T. Stats: Big emu-now a small emu. WOE: is me. :) Start Date: Today.	I print mine out and tape them in my LC cookbook on the front pages and back pages. I try to keep them organized in similar groups. If something doesn't turn out on the first try, or I hate it I scrap it. I also scrap recipes that I don't make at least once a month. In other words, only favorites go in my cookbook.

09-20-2008, 02:55 PM	#19
JerseyGirl1969 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,404 Gallery: JerseyGirl1969	I asked for and got as a gift blank recipe books from Borders.

09-20-2008, 03:04 PM	#20
woogers_1 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 324 Gallery: woogers_1 WOE: Atkins Start Date: April 2003, April2008	I looked at Amazon, found a nice binder, extra sleeves and cards with a shipping only total of $21.00! I went to the company website {c.r.gibson} and for the same items shipping was $5.79...what a difference. I can't wait to get the binder, thanks to everyone who responded!

09-20-2008, 04:14 PM	#21
cabogirl Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ventura County, CA Posts: 65 Gallery: cabogirl Stats: 199/163/? WOE: Atkins Start Date: 7/2002	I have a folder labeled recipes in Outlook and then subfolders for veggies - breakfast - meats, etc. If I see something on the net I just copy and paste and email to myself. For me it is a lot easier to look on my laptop then actual paper. If I can't find a recipe that I know I have, I can use the "Find" tool in Outlook so I'm not taxing my ol brain!!

09-20-2008, 04:31 PM	#23
woogers_1 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 324 Gallery: woogers_1 WOE: Atkins Start Date: April 2003, April2008	Like I said, thats good until your puter crashes. I was devastated last year when it happened to me. Unless you back up everything with an external hard drive, I have a friend who does that.

09-20-2008, 04:46 PM	#24
BarbDe Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SE Florida Posts: 3,273 Gallery: BarbDe Stats: Quit smoking 11/4/07; 9/22/08 216/210/170 WOE: Atkins Start Date: August 2004	I have learned. I have a flash drive with my pics and my recipes backed up on, now. Almost lost everything a couple months ago. The techies were able to save me. Whew! ETA: and I copy interesting recipes and paste them in to a word doc as well. I am not typing it all out. LOL.

09-20-2008, 06:10 PM	#25
sugarless4life Atkins Ambassador Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 9,449 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: sugarless4life Stats: I EAT TO LIVE HEALTHY AND EXERCISE TO LIVE STRONG! WOE: Lost it with Atkins / RUNNING to keep it off! Start Date: January 19, 2002 - 6 YEARS ON ATKINS	3 Ring Binder filled with Linda Sue's recipes in my kitchen !!! Sorted by main dish, veggies, soups, etc. Its the MOST USED cookbook I own! Thanks Linda ! Betty

09-20-2008, 06:27 PM	#26
BufoDieter MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: ♫ Under starry skies above ♪ Posts: 1,352 Gallery: BufoDieter Stats: 5' 8" 221 (size 18)/205/150? (size 8) WOE: I ♥ Atkins, Eades & Taubes Start Date: Original: 8/2001... Restart: 6/2007	I'm looking into using this site (linked below) to publish some cookbooks for myself. For the spiral bound format, it's really inexpensive to have one published. Lulu

09-20-2008, 06:29 PM	#28
rhett Junior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NC Posts: 13 Gallery: rhett Stats: 167.5/154.5/135 WOE: Atkins Start Date: June 20, 2008	I print them off the computer, punch holes in the side, and put them in a binder according to catagories, just like a cookbook. The binder stays in a drawer beside the oven. It's the only "cookbook" that I use now.

09-20-2008, 06:35 PM	#29
LS_Oregon Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 82 Gallery: LS_Oregon Stats: (240 high) 208/148/140 WOE: Low Carb My Way Start Date: 01/09/2008	For receipes I have found online, I do a cut and paste, email them to myself (I have more than one email address) and then put them in a folder in my email account. The email is titled with the type of recipe. My free Gmail account (google) has a great search feature, for searching within emails, so I could search by other features such as cream cheese, Linda Sue, etc. One of these days I will get some software, but until I get my act together, this does okay.