Recipe storage has been a complicated issue for me lately. I like index cards but I don’t want to take the time to write recipes on them. I’ve been struggling with this issue for a while and have tried several different methods, including:
Three-ring binder. I didn’t like this option because I have limited counter space and the binder takes up a lot of space. I ended up pulling the recipes out and never putting them back. I either folded them up and put them in my index card box or just stuck them at the front of the notebook. Also, I use a recipe stand and I can only put one recipe on it if I use 8-1/2 x 11 pages. Sometimes I need three recipes for one meal and I want them all on the stand.
File box with folders for each category and recipes on 8-1/2 x 11 pages. I thought this might work. It would still allow me to use 8-1/2 x 11 but the file box would serve as a very large index card box. It didn’t work, though. I still can only fit one recipe at a time on my recipe stand and the pages weren’t as convenient as a box with cards.
Photo Album: Years ago I tried putting recipes in a photo album – one of those kinds with the magnetic pages. I hated it! I like to write on my recipes and it wasn’t possible with the photo album.
4×6 index cards with handwritten recipes. This is really what I want to do but I don’t want to write every new recipe on a card. I don’t have time for that especially since I try so many new recipes.
4×6 index cards with typed recipes. I tried using 4×6 recipe cards and typing the recipes on the cards but it was still too much trouble. I almost went with this option, but then I found something I think is a good compromise.
SOLUTION: 5×8 index cards with recipes cut to fit and glued on. You can use any kind of glue but I’ve found the Scotch Adhesive Dot Roller to be the most convenient method. It’s a little harder to find a file box to fit the 5×8 cards but I did find one at Office Depot. It’s pretty boring but I’m either going to decorate it or have my daughter-in-law do it for me.
My strategy is the print off recipes, try them out, and if I’m going to make them again, put them on a card. Problem solved.
