One of my 2010 goals (not resolutions, for past experience has proven I know not how to keep those) is to get my recipes in order.  I have countless magazines that I have kept for a few recipes contained inside, along with a huge photo box of recipes cut out over the years.  And I can say with great certainty, as the box is overflowing, less than a third have actually been tried. They’re all in one place, and I know where to look when I need something, but I’d hardly call them organized.

So, I was looking for a way to streamline my recipes, and while I am at it, implement the creating of a weekly “menu”, so my grocery shopping can be a bit more efficient as well.  I have heard of people doing the whole menu planning thing, and while it sounded like a good idea, it always seemed to get put on the “list of to dos” and pushed to the bottom, as I realized there was nothing to feed my family and a shopping trip needed to happen yesterday.  While I really enjoy cooking, sometimes the task of figuring out what to cook for dinner, when a house with 3 “boys” is STARVING, can be quite daunting.  A plan would sure be helpful.

It wasn’t until I was over a friend’s house and saw her system first hand, that I was inspired.  It was at that moment I said I was going to commit to implementing this plan.  It’s so easy.  Just get yourself a large binder, and put dividers separating the sections into categories, i.e. appetizer, soup, desserts, main course, whatever works for you.  Every time you make a new recipe, clip it or print it, and put it into your binder.  That is, of course, as long as it is something worth making again. If you have recipes you have yet to try, put them in a separate section, and move them into the proper section once you have made it.

Brilliant, right?  It may take a little time to build up your recipes inside, but if you are like me and try new recipes weekly, your collection will build up in no time.  Then, when it is time to plan your menu, and grocery list for the week, you look through your binder, pick out your recipes, and all the ingredients you need are contained right there. You can even post a menu on the fridge, so when the little (or big) people in your house want to know “what’s for dinner”, you can tell them to read the menu.  Who knows, they may even give you a tip at the end of the meal!

Happy Cooking!

Image Credit: DietsinReview.com