Today’s post is all about how to organize handwritten recipes. The recipe box that I used for years was overflowing and I decided I needed better recipe storage. I found myself throwing recipes in a cabinet, losing them, and they were getting damaged. A solution was needed, so I got to work! I picked up a cheap, plastic storage container this morning and got to work while the kids were napping.
The Problem
This is the worn out recipe box that was driving me nuts! It was too small and filled up so tightly it wasn’t user friendly.
*Update 2021*: this original blog post was written in 2011, pre-Pinterest! I always referenced my recipe cards and printed recipes from websites before Pinterest. Now, I certainly use online resources the most, but I still like to sift through these recipes and use them often!
The Process
First, I took every last recipe card out of the box and started sorting them into different categories (see below). This is also a good time to weed out any unwanted recipes.
Next, I grabbed letter sized envelopes and cut the flaps off. These will hold the different categories of recipes.
After I decided on the categories, I wrote the name at the top of an index card and stuck them in the envelopes vertically. Alphabetize! And be sure to stagger these so they aren’t one behind the other for easy access.
The End Result
Now, if I want to make cookies, I simply grab the “cookies” envelope and sift through my recipes. Before, all my desserts were lumped in together and it took me forever to find anything. This plastic storage container is obviously larger than my recipe box, so this will be stored in my pantry, where I have lots of extra space. The lid does fit so you don’t have to worry about 52 card pick up!
Categories of Recipes
- appetizers
- beef
- breads/bars
- breakfast
- cake/cupcakes
- casseroles
- chicken
- chocolate
- cookies
- misc. desserts
- drinks
- frosting
- mexican
- pasta
- pie
- pizza
- pork
- salads
- sandwiches
- seafood
- side dishes
- soups/stews
I cook a lot, but I have to admit that during the summer, I throw together easy recipes or we just throw something on the grill. This exercise has me motivated to try some new recipes that I just remembered I had! Happy organizing!
*UPDATE 2021* – I still use this method for how to organize handwritten recipes all these years later! It’s an organization method that works! Love when ideas withstand the test of time!