A few years ago I started a recipe notebook. I occasionally jotted down recipes that I found online and wanted to try because it was much easier to follow the recipe on a piece of paper than a laptop screen. I also noted some recipes that I knew I would make again. Recently, I decided to start writing down some of the favorite recipes that I make all the time.
Having these old standbys in a small book on a page I can flip to in seconds is quite nice. Often cookbook pages don't lie flat and they take up too much of my limited counter space. I do love cookbooks, though. They are inspiration, beauty, and comfort. I often browse them looking for new ideas and many of my favorites are worn and a bit sticky from use. I have a modest cookbook collection with some that I use all the time, some I go to for just a couple of recipes and some that I haven't used but still want to try.
My recipe notebook is also a little treasure trove of favorite and most used recipes. I often try recipes from websites and blogs but those will never be dog eared or chocolate spattered or marked with adjustments and substitutions. Online we give recipes their character with great photos and stories but this notebook is informal, a little messy, and just as personal. I love that recipes can be a jumping off point and that even when they have been posted online, written in ink, or printed and bound they are still alive and changing depending on the whims and wished of the cook, the kitchen, and the season.
Some of the favorites that I've added to my notebook:
Whole Grain Pancakes
Ginger Molasses Cookies
Lemon Curd
Chocolate Chip (and other stuff) Cookies
Whole Wheat Tortillas
Raspberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Coconut Chocolate Mousse
Tomato Tart
How to you store and keep your favorite recipes?
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