Returning guest blogger Jill Hively, owner of Order Up Organizing in Apex, NC.
A cookbook collection can start in many ways: from hand-me-down books belonging to family members to a desire to eat better/lose weight/use the kitchen to a crush on a certain cute Australian TV chef. Whatever the motivation behind your collection, it is important to keep a handle on the number. Because, let’s face it, if you’re not using the books, they quickly become clutter.
Some tips for keeping your cookbook collection under control:
How many do you have?
Carefully evaluate the books that you already have. Do you use them? How many only have one recipe you like in them? Copy that recipe and part with the book.
Schedule those “I’d like to try one day” recipes in your next meal plan. If they’re winners, keep the cookbook; if not, pass it on.
Establish boundaries. Dedicate a specific amount of shelf/counter space to your cookbooks. If a new book will exceed these boundaries, choose one to donate before adding it.
Use your library card. Before spending cash on a new cookbook, check it out at the library. Explore the layout, number of ingredients & complexity of the recipes. Try out a few. If the book meets your guidelines and supports your meal planning goals, add it to your collection, if not, you’re not out any cash! (Assuming you return it to the library on time.)
What does your cookbook collection look like? Do you have more than you use? Could you donate some?
