“Now, what was the name of that recipe that I found using Pinterest? I just know I’ve made it before…”. Is this you?
Pinterest. I love Pinterest for finding recipes. But, then there is the problem that there. are. so. many. recipes to try. Right?
How do I keep them organized? My recipe board has over 300 pins. That one recipe we tried — and liked — pretty sure it was pinned about 80 pins ago…
This was a weekly struggle until I made a DIY Recipe Binder. In typical form, I chose to organize recipes simply. If it isn’t simple, I won’t keep the habit. I know that about myself.
How to Use a Recipe Binder
This binder contains recipes that I’ve found online or in a magazine. It does not include family recipes. I do have family recipe cards that were part of a wedding gift, but those are kept in a separate recipe book.
Originally, I put the online recipes into the family recipe book but I ran into several problems:
- The online recipes didn’t fit into the family recipe book and would have to be reformatted.
- The online recipes weren’t handwritten like the family recipe book {and I’m picky… so I like things to match, ha!}
- Sometimes, I’d stick recipes in the family book “to try” and end up not being a huge fan. However, I really consider the recipes in my family book to be iconic, well-loved, recipes.
All that to say, there is no reason you couldn’t store everything in one recipe binder. Yet, if you’re like me, a recipe binder is a very simple, flexible, method for storing recipes — even it’s not the only place you keep recipes.
[Tweet “Grab a set of Free Printables and make your own Recipe Binder.”]
Those are my Valentine’s flowers, ya’ll! Less than $3 at Aldi’s. They are looking lovely in our breakfast nook, and perfect for this photo shoot.
How to Make a Recipe Binder
So, are you convinced? Do you need a simple method to organize recipes?
There is a title page and nine recipe binder categories included in this free printable set: Appetizers, Breads, Breakfast, Desserts, Drinks, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Snacks, Soups
If a recipe prints as a full-page, 3-hole-punch the sheet and stick it into the binder.
If the online recipe prints out as a “card” – typically 4×6 – then cut it out and tape it onto a blank sheet. Keep several blank sheets inside each recipe category for this purpose. Try using washi tape to attach the cards, for a little color and fun.
[Tweet “Simple tips for a quick and easy recipe binder.”]
The printable set also includes a “recipe” label for the binding. The label holder on my binder was stubborn. Due to a tight fit, I could only get a half-size sheet into the label holder. The binding label is designed to fit binders of widths equal to, or larger than, 1 inch — just trim the label sheet accordingly.
I keep a stack of Menu Sheets inside the binder, for easy access when planning weekly meals. Now there are no more excuses to meal plan, right? #yeahright #illfindanexcuse
Would you like to make your own Recipe binder? Grab a copy of the free printables, and get started. Enter your email, and the links to the PDF file will appear below. {note: If you are already subscribed, you will still need to enter your email; but you will not be subscribed twice.}
appetizers | breads | breakfast | desserts | drinks | main dishes | side dishes | snacks | soups
How do you organize recipes? I’d love to hear what works for you.
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zan
Monday 27th of February 2017
I used to have a binder (for recipes, grocery, lists, coupons) sort of like that except mine was nothing designed. I created plane lines then printed them out on regular paper. Now I just have a notebook that I keep everything in! I love your design and that is a great way to keep things organized for cooking and shopping.
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Friday 3rd of March 2017
Thanks, Zan :)
Vanessa @ {nifty thrifty things}
Friday 24th of February 2017
This is such a great idea, Lora! I have so many cut outs and print outs in drawers, this would really help. :) XO! Vanessa
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Saturday 25th of February 2017
Makes it simple :)
Sarah
Friday 24th of February 2017
This is SUCH a great idea. I'll make recipes on Pinterest and forget to pin or save them then have no idea what I made in a few weeks haha. I should print them out and put them in a pretty binder!!
Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins
Monday 20th of February 2017
This is a great little binder Lora! I've been meaning to put something like this together because I think I have at least 4 places I keep recipes and it would be nice to consolidate.
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Wednesday 22nd of February 2017
That's how mine were before, but once I put together this binder last year, I've stuck with it. It's just so simple that I don't skip putting recipes in the right spot.