Make your own cookbook

photo by BillHR
DEAR SARA: I’m looking for suggestions regarding the cookbook I am making for my sister. I am trying to get it done. What should I include apart from recipes? I am going to include a measurement-conversion chart and food pyramid. Your help, as always, is appreciated. — Denise, California

DEAR DENISE: You can add photos, quotes, family stories, family addresses, menu plans, special occasions and food substitutions. You can use a three-ring binder with plastic sleeves (page protectors) and tabbed dividers for categories. Web sites such as sharedbook.com, cookbookpeople.com and tastebook.com can help you put it together, too.

Do you have any suggestions for putting together a homemade cookbook?

DEAR SARA: I’m looking for a manual for my Welbilt ABM2H22 bread machine. Yes, we bought it new, and yes, I’ve had it for several years (although I haven’t used it a whole lot), but I cannot find my user’s manual for it. I’m hoping you can point me in the right direction in finding one. — Michelle, Tennessee

DEAR MICHELLE: You can try calling the manufacturer and asking for one. For Welbilt bread-machine manuals, visit welbiltmanuals.blogspot.com. You can often find manuals on eBay.com, or visit owneriq.net for all types of manuals.

DEAR SARA: We have an area in our basement that the grandkids use as a playroom, but some of them are getting older now (oldest just turned 14), and I’m trying to come up with some ideas to make it more user-friendly for the older ones, too. Any suggestions would be appreciated. — Cheryl B, Michigan

DEAR CHERYL B.: You can make it more like a family game room. Maybe section off an area for the younger kids. You can have a television, a DVD player, music, games, books, a table and chairs and a comfortable couch or floor pillows. You can hang posters and family photos, or go with a theme, such as sports or movies. Our family game room has a mini fridge. You could stock the room with fun snacks when they come over, too. Take the kids thrift-store or garage-sale shopping to help you make it their own special, fun place to hang out.

DEAR SARA: How do you think lasagna noodles would turn out in the soup if I broke them up? — Tammy H., Virginia

DEAR TAMMY H.: Lasagna noodles will work fine in soup. They are thick and will soak up the broth, so consider cooking them separately, ahead of time, and adding them in right before serving.

DEAR SARA: How do I freeze raspberries? Is there anything special I need to do? My hubby brought home three crates of them. I gave one away, and we just won’t eat that many before they spoil. Can I just put them in plastic bags and store them in the freezer, or do I need to do something special? I’m such a newbie at this kind of stuff. Sorry if it seems like a silly question. — Tangee, California

DEAR TANGEE: Flash-freeze them on a wax-paper-lined cookie sheet. Freezing them on the cookie sheet will prevent them from sticking together. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to freezer bags.

Posted by Sara Noel on February 25 2009. Filed under Question & Answer.
Sara Noel owns Frugal Village, LLC and is a nationally syndicated columnist with Universal Uclick. Bio, Follow me on Twitter, Join us on Facebook