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How to File Recipe Clippings

There is no reason to save recipe clippings from newspapers and magazines if you aren't able to locate the recipe you want, when you want it. There are a variety of ways to file recipe clippings, so you can actually use them. Before you choose a method, ask yourself what will work best for you. If you want something quick, that demands the least amount of effort, consider the accordion folder system. But, if enjoy looking through a recipe book, consider the binder method. For those techie cooks, going digital may be the solution.

Things You'll Need

Accordion file folder
Pen
3-ring tab dividers
3-ring binder
3-ring clear sheet protectors
Blank typing paper
Computer with flatbed scanner

Instructions

Accordion Folder
- 1
  Purchase an accordion-style file folder designed for filing recipes. These will come with pre-printed recipe categories. If you are unable to find one, buy a blank accordion file and make your own.
- 2
  If you are using a blank accordion file, write down a list of the recipe categories you intend to collect, such as soups, salads, desserts, main dishes, etc. The number of categories should match the number of tabs on the file folder. Print the categories on the tabs, one category per tab.
- 3
  File each clipped recipe in the most suitable category pocket in the accordion file folder.
Binder
- 4
  Write a list of the recipe categories you intend to collect, such as soups, salads, desserts, main dishes, etc. Make a tabbed divider for each category and insert in a three ring binder.
- 5
  Slip clippings into clear sheet protectors and file after the appropriate category divider in the 3-ring binder.
- 6
  Place a sheet of blank paper into the sheet protectors, if you want to insert clippings on both sides of the sheet protector. The paper will go between the clippings. Leave the paper out, if the clipping has recipe information on both sides.
Digital
- 7
  Write a list of the recipe categories you intend to collect, such as soups, salads, desserts, main dishes, etc. Create files for each category on your computer. Save all of these category files in a single file named Recipes in your Document file, so they will be easy to locate.
- 8
  Scan each recipe clipping, creating a single PDF file for each recipe. The process will vary, depending on your flatbed scanner. Typically you would lay the recipe clipping, face down on the scanner glass, close the lid and press the button to scan to create a PDF file.
- 9
  Name each PDF to match the name of the recipe and move each PDF file into the suitable category file.
- 10
  Throw away the clippings, once you have saved them in a digital file.

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