Create a Database

Last time I talked about meal planning, it was all about inventory and knowing what is in your kitchen. Again, this is extremely important when it comes to saving some moolah. By knowing what you have, you can actually use what you buy and not waste money on buying duplicates or buying more than necessary.


The next important part of planning is knowing what to do with what you have. You should begin to think of what you can make using items that you already have in your pantry. It is very helpful to create a database of recipes and meals that you can use to build your menu.

I know it sounds silly, but having a list of recipes and meals to choose from makes the planning process so much easier! You can build meals using what you already have then fill in the blanks with groceries.

I can't tell you how many times I've sat down to plan my meals for the week and have no idea where to start. I always ask my husband if he wants anything in particular and start there. His usual answer is, "Whatever you want," which is no help at all. So I turn to my inventory and see what I have on hand to see if I can make any meals using what is already there. See how that inventory comes in handy?

Now, you don't necessarily have to have a written list or even a collection if you feel you don't need it. I however have an awful memory and forget what I can make that is husband approved and what is required for the recipes. I also hate flipping through books trying to find a recipe and not being able to find it.

I've resorted to an online recipe manager that I absolutely love: Pepperplate. It is an app and an online database that makes recipe managing extremely easy. You can manually put in recipes from the web or your own collection. I have a few of my grandma's and mother's recipes that I have uploaded. But the best part is Pepperplate's affiliation with popular recipe websites, most of which I have pulled recipes from (i.e. Allrecipes, food.com, Eating Well, etc). You can copy the URL and the program will filter in the information along with any pictures. It actually has a meal planner of it's own! How convenient!

You can sync your computer account and phone together, so you are never without your database. I've pulled out my phone a few times to check the recipe to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything at the store. Please note I am not receiving any sort of compensation for reviewing this program, it is just what I use and am happy to share it.

I also use the old fashioned recipe box for paper recipes I haven't entered yet. Those are mostly acquired from my grandmothers, and I'll keep them just because :)

Do you have any recipe managers to share? Or alternate ways to keep recipes? Comment below!