How to Make A Cookbook of Recipes

Compile your favorite recipes into one convenient book and save bookshelf space.

Most people have a collection of recipe books, and sort through those trying to find their favorites again and again. But you can take those favorite recipes, and ones of your own, and put them all in one convenient cookbook. There are many strategies, but this one requires only your computer and printer.

Things You'll Need

• 3-ring binder
• Recipes
• Paper
• Plastic protector sleeves (optional)

Instructions

1. Get a good sturdy three ring binder to put your recipes in for the cookbook. This cookbook binder will be your cookbook's backbone that you will design. If you get one with a clear front insert you can design a cover on a basic sheet of printer paper and slide it in the binder.

2. Open a new Microsoft Word document to make your recipes. Design a recipe header, then import a picture of the dish underneath it, if photos are available. In the future, you can photograph your finished dishes and add those images to your cookbook later.

3. List the ingredients and the steps needed to make the recipe. Include any tips or special notes at the bottom. Creating your pages in Microsoft word allows you to edit your text with fancy fonts and colors Play around with it and have fun. Use fancy fonts for each recipe, such as cursive fancy writing for wedding recipes or spunky fiesta fonts for Mexican recipes. Be sure that your fonts are still legible; it's doesn't help the recipe to look beautiful if no one can read how to make the dish.

4. Save all of your recipes on your computer and back them up electronically every time you add new ones. You can even email your cookbook to yourself. This way, if something happens to your computer you still have your cookbook recipes. You can also open the files on your computer and edit them as needed or print one out for a friend, and make new additions to your recipes.

5. Print out your pages on good paper to keep your book for many years. You can even use photo paper if you wish, but your cookbook might get fuller faster because of the thickness. Another way to protect your recipe pages is to place them in plastic inserts, then place them in the 3-ring binder. Splashes from sauces are easier to wipe off the pages, preserving your printed recipe.

Tips & Warnings

• You can include an index page to your cookbook. Since your cookbook is always changing and growing, instead of listing individual recipes separate the categories by type, such as appetizers, chicken, desserts and soups.

• There are also various websites that offer an option for you to make your own cookbook of recipes.