Cookbook Tip: Keep Cookbooks Close with a Skirt Hanger

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various methods for keeping cookbooks accessible while cooking, including the use of skirt hangers and plastic bags. Participants share personal experiences and tips related to cookbook care and accessibility in the kitchen.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions a tip from Rachael Ray about using a skirt hanger to hold cookbooks at eye level.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using a gallon-sized zip loc bag to keep cookbooks looking new.
  • Several users express concern that clips from hangers might damage cookbooks, with some opting for plastic bags instead.
  • One participant appreciates receiving a cookbook holder as a gift, while others express a desire for Pampered Chef to create a cookbook holder.
  • Some participants note the challenge of reading recipes through plastic bags, while others find it manageable.
  • One participant shares their method of using a hanger for cookbook support, while also using typed recipes in sheet protectors for shows.
  • Several users express pride in their "well-loved" cookbooks, indicating frequent use and enjoyment of their recipes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness and practicality of using plastic bags versus hangers for cookbook protection and accessibility. No clear consensus emerges on the best method.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a variety of personal experiences and preferences related to cookbook usage and care, reflecting individual cooking environments and habits.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and home cooks looking for creative ways to keep cookbooks accessible and protected while cooking may find the shared experiences valuable.

raebates
raebates
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I was watching Rachael Ray, when she shared this tip. Use a skirt hanger (one with springy clips) to hold a cookbook up closer to eye level while you cook. Just put the clips on the cookbook, then slip the hanger's hook over a cabinet handle. This would work really well for our cookbooks.
 
I put our cookbooks in a gallon size zip loc bag. It keeps them looking new. You could clip the hanger to the bag too I guess.

I think the hanger clips right on the cookbook might damage the book but then I haven't tried it.
 
That's a good idea!!

My mom got me the cookbook holder with splatter guard for Christmas from BAM that I was wanting.
 
That is a great idea! I would put my cookbook in a plastic bag so the clips would not damage it. Thanks for sharing!
 
Hmmm...I'll have to pass this along to my DD. She already got something on one of the pages of the new 29 Minutes CB I got from the SAT!
 
Cool ideas!!!
 
I am anxiously waiting for the day when PC will come out with a cookbook holder!
 
That would be a great idea, especially if you are short on counter space... As far as putting them in plastic bags to protect them... seems like it would be hard to read the recipe, for me anyway. Besides, if they have smudges on them it's easy to see your favorite books and recipes! haha!
 
ChefPaulaB said:
That would be a great idea, especially if you are short on counter space... As far as putting them in plastic bags to protect them... seems like it would be hard to read the recipe, for me anyway. Besides, if they have smudges on them it's easy to see your favorite books and recipes! haha!
Click to expand...

The bags are clear. I don't have any problem reading through the bag - I guess if the light was reflecting on it...

I don't mind the "smudges" too much in the privacy of my kitchen but if I'm taking the book to shows I don't want them to think the books are dirty - plus more often than not the smudges make the pages stick together.
 
BethCooks4U said:
The bags are clear. I don't have any problem reading through the bag - I guess if the light was reflecting on it...

I don't mind the "smudges" too much in the privacy of my kitchen but if I'm taking the book to shows I don't want them to think the books are dirty - plus more often than not the smudges make the pages stick together.
Click to expand...

That is true, I do hate that... as far as being used for shows, I feel that it just shows them that I use them and love them, but yeah, you don't want them sticking together. I do have a cookbook stand that I use and unless I get really crazy (and sometimes cooking with 2 small kids, it does get crazy) they stay fairly clean. I have terrible lighting in my kitchen so I know that I would have problems with the reading through bags, maybe some day I can redo my kitchen and fix that problem!
 
ChefPaulaB said:
That is true, I do hate that... as far as being used for shows, I feel that it just shows them that I use them and love them, but yeah, you don't want them sticking together. I do have a cookbook stand that I use and unless I get really crazy (and sometimes cooking with 2 small kids, it does get crazy) they stay fairly clean. I have terrible lighting in my kitchen so I know that I would have problems with the reading through bags, maybe some day I can redo my kitchen and fix that problem!
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Tell your DH that you have to do a remodel so you can put your cookbooks in ziploc bags. :D:D:p:D
 
SB (opened to your recipe) fits perfectly in a clear sheet protector. I just discovered this.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
I always tell people at shows to "Please excuse the splashes and splatters. I use the cookbooks in my kitchen, and I get a little wild when I cook."
 
I like that my cookbooks are "well loved and seasoned"!!! I have a lot of pages dog-eared and I have people comment that they can tell not only do I use my cookbooks, but they can tell which recipes I fix a lot because they are the most "loved" looking!!!
 
Smudges may show you liked the recipe, but you don't want some critical instruction blocked! I love using the ziplocs to keep our cookbooks clean. I do that at shows all the time! At home, I often forget and end up with a stain. I think I'll have to try this hangar trick as I have a very small kitchen!
 
I LOVE this idea...how cool! Unfortunately, I will have to just pass the idea on to others because I don't have handles on my cabinets.:( Thanks for the idea, though.
 
I used a hanger that we bought for our sons clothes. They are blue and have the little movable clamps. I hook mine to my light (at this house) in my old house I hooked it around the inside of the cabinet and shut the door onto it, that holds it in place pretty well for me. But I do not use a SB at my show, I use a typed up copy of the recipe from the SB and slip that into a sheet protector, this way it is protected, and I can put it anywhere. If you lay a SB on the table it might flip closed or get food on it whatever, but the typed up recipe is ok anywhere and even if it did get messed up I'd just print up a new one. I do put a few SB's on the table for the host & guests to flip through and point out that I am doing the recipe on page ** so they can check it out.
 
PChefRenee said:
I LOVE this idea...how cool! Unfortunately, I will have to just pass the idea on to others because I don't have handles on my cabinets.:( Thanks for the idea, though.
Click to expand...

open the door slightly and hang it on the bottom shelf, then shut the door on the hanger. should work for you then!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a skirt hanger and how can it be used for cookbooks?

A skirt hanger is a type of clothing hanger designed with clips that can hold skirts or pants. It can be repurposed to hold cookbooks open while you’re cooking, allowing you to easily read the recipe without needing to hold the book.

How do I set up a skirt hanger for my cookbooks?

To set up a skirt hanger for your cookbooks, simply clip the top of the cookbook with the clips on the hanger. You can then hang the skirt hanger on a hook, cabinet handle, or even a towel rack, keeping the cookbook at eye level and easily accessible while you cook.

Are there specific types of skirt hangers that work best for cookbooks?

While most skirt hangers will work, those with strong clips and a sturdy design are preferred. Look for hangers that can hold the weight of your cookbook without bending or breaking. Adjustable clips can also help accommodate different sizes of cookbooks.

Can I use this method for digital recipes as well?

Yes, you can use a skirt hanger to hold a tablet or a printed recipe page. Just place the tablet or page between the clips of the hanger, ensuring it is secure. This allows you to follow digital recipes hands-free while cooking.

What are the benefits of using a skirt hanger for cookbooks?

Using a skirt hanger for cookbooks keeps your recipes visible and accessible, reducing the risk of spills or damage to the book. It also saves counter space and allows you to easily flip through pages or refer back to previous steps without needing to hold the book.

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