My Recipe Box

[judydawn]

That sounds great Chookie, we could laminate and you could cook    I'm sure your DH would help you like mine did. 

[johnro]

JD so much effort but what a great result!  I do as MJ does and use display folders once the recipe has been cooked and is a winner - until that time there is a TMX file on the computer in which there are many sub folders for the different recipe categories collected while prowling the forum - at any given time in a 24hr period .   

[judydawn]

Thanks johnro, you certainly need a lot of time to produce something like this - especially when you have been collecting and cooking forum recipes for over 2 years.  Easy to keep on top of now though.

[Cuilidh]

I envy you with your great new system.  I simply have all my recipes slipped loosely into a folder, then, when I want to cook something, after spending ages leafing through all the recipes to find the one I want I have to clip it to a clipboard to stop it from falling or folding then I prop it up against the window or back of the bench and start cooking.  Not nearly as organised as you!

[judydawn]

I think we all pretty much start out like that Cuilidh, never realising how quickly our collection is going to grow.  Finally we decide it is time to do something about it and the sooner you start, the easier it will become.  Have a go at one or other of the suggestions in this thread to make life easier for you.

[CreamPuff63]

Cuilidh I started collecting in a small folder and it grew and grew. I would suggest that you start filing now because it gets bigger than Ben Hur. Just even punching a hole in each sheet and starting the file in the same way that cook books are with the dips and soups at the front, main meals, desserts etc. File dividers and sheet protectors help also, but even if you haven't got that at least you have the order so it makes finding something a little easier if you know to look for it either at the beginning, middle or back of the pile. Make sure with any recipes that you make give it a tick and a comment if possible. Ditch any straight away that you don't like.

[meganjane]

I like your idea JD, but just don't have the time right now to do it.
I copy and paste the recipes from the forum and type in the added notes and changes.
I like CP63's idea of 'grading' the recipes. I do need to go through and chuck a few out. Not all of mine are TMX recipes, some are from magazines and other forums.

[Cuilidh]

OK, I admit defeat ... I've been beaten into submission - off to the stationer's this afternoon to see what I can find and I'll get started at the weekend.

[Sonan]

Very nice Judy ..... I can see a whole new opportunity for you here.... I am sure people would pay you to sort out their recipe files !!

[judydawn]

  All I can suggest to newcomers Sonan is to start a filing system right from the beginning before it gets out of hand. As far as recipe books go, there are usually blank pages at the back of the books (some only have a blank inside back cover) and I write my favourite recipes and page numbers there as I find it easier than going through the index.

[trudy]

Great work Judy - want to come and do mine!!!!!

[cookie1]

Then over to me Judy. It looks lovely. Well done.
After reading of CP63's idea I thought I would do the same. But then changed the idea. I went to Big W and bought one of their 100page 'books' with the plasic folders in them. DH uses them for his old car notes and they look good. My recipes are only printed in B and W, but I try to put a photo of each one on the recipe. I have this all ready to go but still haven't done it.

As well I have a file of papers about 2 inches thick of 'to try' recipes.
Judy you have inspired me.........I'll do it................soon.

[Very Happy Jan]

I've got my recipes in A4 lever arch files (about 4!!) but am slowly transferring them to Macgourmet to increase my cupboard space- I need it to accommodate my ever increasing array of cake, bread, muffin top tins and assorted other acquisitions 

[Thermomixer]

Great work JD - maybe you should come & organise my office too 

[cookie1]

Would you believe that I have actually started transferring my favourite TMX recipes, with all the extras writtne on them, into what I hope will be their permanent home. It's a 100 page folder of plastic envelopes. I'll put a photo up when they're all in. I hope it will be easier to carry in the van than a big A4 file.