Keeping a Kitchen Journal

I know, I know, you're thinking a journal for thekeeping track of your kids' school lunch menus.
kitchen?Create a list of which fruits and vegetables are in
It seems like the busier we get the more forgetfulseason, and when prices are lowest so you can
we are. And getting older has something to do withwatch for good deals and prepare your meals around
it, right? Whatever the reason, a kitchen journal canthe seasons.
be a useful tool for keeping your home and familyKitchen journals are also great for when you're
running smoothly on a day-to-day basis.experimenting with a recipe. When you change the
Did I mention journaling is fun? It is! Find a notebookproportions of a recipe or make an emergency
to start your journal. You can decorate it yourselfingredient substitution, make a note of it in your
with stickersor cut-out pictures. Make it intojournal. You can also use your journal to write down
something you look forward to writing in.new recipes you want to try or make a note of
A kitchen journal is for making notes to yourselfwhere you saw a recipe you want to come back to
when you're meal planning, cooking, or when alater.
creative thought pops into your head while you'reWhen you have guests or are entertaining friends or
doing something else.family make notes of things you tried that went well
One thing I use my kitchen journal for is recordingor things that didn't go well that you want to
my family's food likes and dislikes. I've been marriedremember not to try again (like the salad that didn't
for almost eight years and you would think by now Iset long enough in the refrigerator before you were
know what kind of cereal my husband likes. It's notready to serve it).
so much the ones he likes, as the one he dislikes!In addition to keeping track of favorite foods, make
Then when you add in our teenage daughter and mya note of your family's favorite recipes. When your
teenage step-daughter who doesn't live with us andchildren grow up and go to college and/or get
comes and stays with us from time to time, I'mmarried, you can compile their favorite recipes into a
finding it almost impossible to keep track of who likeskeepsake cookbook or recipe card box for them to
what. This is also useful for family members who visittake with them as they start their own families.
and eat at your home. They will be impressed thatTry incorporating a kitchen journal into your daily
you remember what they like/dislike and that youroutine and see for yourself if it helps keep you
plan your meals around their tastes and/or foodmore organized. Once you get started you'll discover
allergies.many ideas of your own to record in your new
Use your journal for recording new ideas for andjournal.