“Favorites” Recipe Book
Create Your Own Recipe Book
A Delicious Journey from Childhood Favorites to Adult Creations
Think back to the first “favorite” dinner that you ever had. It probably wasn’t anything spectacular but became your favorite because of some kind of memory or sentiment around it. My Mom wasn’t the best cook, but a lot of the dinners she made are highlighted in my favorites recipe book, simply because they remind me of a time period or memory in my childhood home. As I’ve gotten older and more crafty in the kitchen, I’ve definitely whipped up a few new favorite dishes but also always incorporate the old. I love having a place to store all of those favorites and flip through when I’m feeling nostalgic (or uninspired in the kitchen).
Ready to put your culinary history into a beautiful, little book? As always, here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:)
1. Gather Your Recipes
Start by collecting the recipes that hold significance to you. These could be anything from family recipes to dishes you’ve created on your own. Think about:
Childhood Favorites: The meals your mom or grandma used to make, the dishes that were staples in your family, or even your favorite childhood snacks.
Current Favorites: The meals you cook now, dishes you’ve discovered in adulthood, or modern recipes you’ve perfected over time.
New Creations: Recipes that you’ve experimented with and made your own.
Tip: Don’t forget to include “love” notes about what makes each dish special—whether it’s a memory, a small variation you love, or a specific cooking tip.
Feel free to get creative with it and add in in little notes in the margins about other favorites in your life during the time period of the recipes that you’re adding. It will create such a fun keepsake for you to look back on
2. Organize Your Book
Categories: Divide your recipes into sections to make them easier to navigate. Some ideas for sections could include:
Appetizers & Snacks
Family Dinners
Desserts & Sweets
Mom/Dad’s Recipes
Childhood vs Adult
Most Nostalgic to Least
Holidays & Special Occasions
Timeline: You could also organize the recipes in chronological order, starting with childhood favorites and moving to more recent dishes.
Family Legacy: Include a section dedicated to family recipes or dishes that have been passed down through generations, along with any stories or history behind them.
3. Choose Your Format
Printed or Digital?: Decide whether you want your recipe book to be printed or digital. Both formats have their advantages:
Printed: A physical book makes for a great keepsake. You can create a beautifully bound hardcover book that will last for years.
Here are a few ideas and inspirations on creating a physical book
Digital: A digital recipe book allows you to easily update it, add new recipes, and share it with others. You can even design it as a PDF or use platforms like Canva or Blurb to create your book.
How to Design Your Book:
Here is our Custom Favorites Recipe Template on Canva
You can also use platforms like Shutterfly, Blurb or Photoshop if that’s better suited for you
Have Fun Designing the Cover: Your book cover is the first thing you will see, so make it represent the essence of your culinary story. Include a fun title that’s encompassing of your favorites
4. Include Personal Touches
Stories & Memories: Alongside each recipe, include anecdotes or special memories associated with the dish. These personal touches will make your book feel like a true reflection of your culinary journey.
Photos: Adding high-quality photos of each dish, either of the finished product or you in the kitchen cooking it, makes the recipe book feel even more special. You can even include vintage photos of family gatherings or old handwritten recipe cards from relatives.
Tips & Tricks: Add helpful cooking tips, modifications, or ingredient substitutions you’ve discovered over the years. This turns your book from a collection of recipes into a real resource for anyone who reads it.