Before I begin, I *know* that there are a lot of digital programs for keeping track of recipes and that it'd be easier to print them or bookmark them for looking at later. I know this. I am fully aware of it and briefly even explored various digital options. However, the method I use for collecting and keeping track of recipes I want to try works for ME.
These are my "essentials":
When I come across a recipe I want to try, I write it in my notebook. The reason I don't just save them off or print them is this keeps me from collecting every single recipe I come across. If I don't think it's worth taking the time to write down, chances are very good I won't make it. That's one of the main reasons I am analog instead of digital. I need a way to limit myself. :)
When I copy down a recipe, I always put the website or book I got it from so I can give credit where credit is due if I pass it on.
I number the pages for a reason I will get to in just a bit.
After I fill up a notebook page, I put into the white OmNom binder. I use the binder because 1) I filled up a notebook already (*grin*) and 2) the page protectors keep them safe while I am cooking. The recipes are in the book in the order I copied them down. I tried keeping an index but didn't really keep up with it. Plus, it's fun to flip through when menu planning.
If I make a recipe and like it enough to make it again, I copy it down on a 4x6 recipe card and put it into my yellow binder. I put the source of the recipe on the card as well.
I prefer to use the binder because it is too awkward to carry a recipe box around and I like how the page protect the recipe for me. And yes, I do carry all these books around! I bring the notebook with me to and from work nearly everyday and the binders come to work with me at least once a week while I work on my menu planning during my lunch break.
I also like the recipe cards because I don't have a good, easy digital way of viewing recipes while I am cooking.
I have this binder categorized to make it easier to find what I want to make. Every recipe over on my ReciPage is in this binder. So, see? I do have a digital version as well... just for you! :)
When it comes to menu planning, I plan Friday - Thursday because I usually go grocery shopping right after work on Friday. The picture above is the sticky note I put on the fridge so the guys can see what we have planned. There is no reason for the multiple colors except it makes me happy. I use a different 2 or 3 color scheme each week. :)
Usually on Wednesday, I sit down and think about what we have in the freezer that I can use. If I see deals while I am shopping the week before, I will pick them up to be used the following week. I then try to plan the next menu based around as much of the stockpile as I can. I also try to balance out our proteins, with chicken as every other one. The guys would revolt if we had vegetarian meals. :P
I also try to plan ways to use leftovers as well as planning for leftovers that I can take for lunch. In the menu above, I planned on having pork leftover to use in the Cuban sammiches. I will often plan to roast a whole chicken over the weekend and use the leftover meat in another meal a few days later.
You see those numbers in parentheses? Those are the page numbers of the recipes in the white OmNom binder. :) Not only do having the page numbers make it easier to find the recipe, but it also lets me know that this is a new recipe.
After I make my menu, I go through each recipe and make a first draft of my grocery list. After I have everything I know I need to the meals, I add whatever else we need. On Thursday, I then rewrite the list in the basic order of the aisles at my grocery store. For me, this helps eliminate the need to run back and forth as I realize I've forgotten things on the list. I also clip whatever coupons I may have to the list with an asterisk next to the list item to remind of the coupon.
So that's how Iroll recipe and menu plan. :) As I said, this way works for me but I would love to hear how you do it!
These are my "essentials":
- Notebook
- Binder for recipes I want to try
- Recipe cards for recipes I want to keep/make again
- Binder for recipe cards
When I copy down a recipe, I always put the website or book I got it from so I can give credit where credit is due if I pass it on.
I number the pages for a reason I will get to in just a bit.
I prefer to use the binder because it is too awkward to carry a recipe box around and I like how the page protect the recipe for me. And yes, I do carry all these books around! I bring the notebook with me to and from work nearly everyday and the binders come to work with me at least once a week while I work on my menu planning during my lunch break.
I also like the recipe cards because I don't have a good, easy digital way of viewing recipes while I am cooking.
Usually on Wednesday, I sit down and think about what we have in the freezer that I can use. If I see deals while I am shopping the week before, I will pick them up to be used the following week. I then try to plan the next menu based around as much of the stockpile as I can. I also try to balance out our proteins, with chicken as every other one. The guys would revolt if we had vegetarian meals. :P
I also try to plan ways to use leftovers as well as planning for leftovers that I can take for lunch. In the menu above, I planned on having pork leftover to use in the Cuban sammiches. I will often plan to roast a whole chicken over the weekend and use the leftover meat in another meal a few days later.
You see those numbers in parentheses? Those are the page numbers of the recipes in the white OmNom binder. :) Not only do having the page numbers make it easier to find the recipe, but it also lets me know that this is a new recipe.
After I make my menu, I go through each recipe and make a first draft of my grocery list. After I have everything I know I need to the meals, I add whatever else we need. On Thursday, I then rewrite the list in the basic order of the aisles at my grocery store. For me, this helps eliminate the need to run back and forth as I realize I've forgotten things on the list. I also clip whatever coupons I may have to the list with an asterisk next to the list item to remind of the coupon.
So that's how I
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