Energize and Organize: A Recipe for Success

Are your cookbooks a recipe for disaster?
Take control with these simple tips.

Evaluate and pare down: Gather all your cookbooks in one spot. (That means checking not only the kitchen, but also all bookshelves throughout the house.) You'll recognize your favorites, so set those aside. Then, consider donating any books unfamiliar or unused for the past year.

Find a central location: From now on, keep all cookbooks and recipes in one area for easy access and awareness. Organize in a way that makes sense to you, such as by author, culinary region, or type of food (vegetarian, soups, desserts, breakfast, etc.).

Create a recipe binder: Set up a three-ring binder for your recipe clippings. Create sections (such as main course, veggies, salads, desserts) with tab dividers. Glue recipes on both sides of heavy 8-1/2 x 11 paper, and then slip the papers into clear plastic page protector sleeves.

Make clippings pass the test: It's tempting to clip every great recipe you see in magazines. If you do, create a "holding" envelope where recipes must past your taste test before being added to your recipe binder. Remember the "in/out" rule: Each time you add a recipe to your book, remove an old one (or two) that is no longer a favorite.
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Go paper-free: If you're ready to go digital, there are many apps that can help you make the transition. In addition to being able to peruse and virtually "clip" new recipes, you can often scan (or take photos) of your cherished family recipes to upload into virtual collections. Or simply start a Pinterest board to collect your new favorites! You can have one, single board for all your recipes, or, even better, start a board for each category of food.
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Give these tips a try, and start enjoying your kitchen (and the joy of cooking) with less stress and more ease!
© 2016 Articles on Demand™

​Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, MetroWest and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact:  617.640.2366, www.energizeandorganize.com