I’ve been collected recipes since my mom first let me start experimenting in the kitchen – many years ago. My first recipe file was a bright orange plastic one – think 1970’s.

At one of my bridal showers a friend gave me a cute wicker recipe file that replaced the orange one in my first kitchen.

That wicker file lasted through 5 babies, a move and more meals than I want to count. In time my recipes outgrew it and I started a second plastic one. One file held main dishes and sides. The other file had cakes, cookies, pies and other desserts.  (Yes – I had an entire file for sweets!)

It was time for a new system.

My inspiration came after a visit to my sister-in-law’s. She had purchased a large card catalog at their local library and was using it o store all of her craft and sewing notions. I loved it! But it had about 36 drawers – roughly 35 more than I needed!

I searched eBay for weeks until I found it –

– a single card catalog drawer in my price range with enough patina in the wood that it fits right in my decor!

It is the perfect width for 5 x 3 inch recipe cards – and the perfect length for my kitchen counter.

I was able to empty both recipe files into it – with room to spare.

And if I eventually fill it up – I can just look for another single card catalog file to sit on top or beside it.

Just think of the dessert recipes I could collect then! 🙂

I’ve linked this post up at Works for me Wednesday at We are That Family.