Simple mini cookbook

This simple little cookbook, with just a single category of recipes, might be the perfect thing to make for a stocking stuffer or include in a gift basket.  I just put one together to use as part of a bridal shower gift and was pleased with how well it came out.

For the shower gift, I had purchased a pizza pan and pizza cutter from the couple's wedding registry on Amazon, but wanted something small and a little more personal to give at the shower.  I made this little pizza cookbook and then also tucked in some handmade hot mats and an Italian seasoning spice grinder. I'm hoping that when the couple want pizza for supper, this little cookbook will be easy and quick to leaf through and just find a recipe.

Back of cookbook

Obviously the sky is the limit with recipe categories.  You could do cookie recipes, strawberry recipes, chocolate recipes, doughnut recipes -- on and on.

You can really get creative in planning the covers as well.  I'm thinking right now you could design your own -- maybe even include a photo if you like -- and print it out on plain card stock.

All you need to make one of these little charmers is:

4x6-inch recipe cards
Hole punch
Carabiner clip or looseleaf binder ring
Card stock of your choice
Laminating film if desired
Stickers or other embellishments

You can use any recipe cards you like.  I did a whole post about printable recipe cards a few years back and you will find some great designs there:  Recipe Cards.  I was planning to just print out some cards from one of these sources,  but then I spotted some Gooseberry Patch recipe cards that I had on hand, so chose to use those.

The next step is to choose what recipes you will use and write out one recipe per card.

Next, design your covers.  I cut mine from double-sided card stock and made the covers just about a quarter inch larger that the recipe cards.  I chose to go pretty simple and just spell out "Pizza Recipes" with stickers that resemble typewriter keys.

I laminated both front and back covers with laminating film.  This wasn't strictly necessary,  but I did it to help keep the covers clean and also to ensure that the stickers (which I've had for quite awhile) would stay in place.

Then you just punch a hole in the top left corner of each card.  Line the covers up with the cards so the hole will match up and punch a hole in front and back covers.  Slip the recipe cards  and covers onto the looseleaf binder ring or  carabiner clip, whichever you are using.

You can see that I chose to include some favorite dessert pizzas in the collection, as well!

Your cookbook is finished!  Now you will probably want to make another.