Cookbooks always make great gifts for family reunions, birthdays, holidays, etc. Even the non-cook can appreciate looking over great recipes, and when those recipes are personalized they become a precious keepsake.

Better Homes & Gardens discontinued their online cookbook creator. A free online program that allowed anyone to create and print a customized cookbook. While this program will be missed by many, it’s still possible to create and publish your own free cookbook with a little extra effort.

HP offers a nice selection of templates to help you create a personalized cookbook. After you gather your recipes, HP will help make sure you don't miss any details with guidelines to make sure you include all the relevant information in the proper format.

You can choose from many different cookbook layouts including:

Seasonal Themes

Christmas Recipe Cards
Themes: Ornaments or Winter Lace

Holiday Recipe Cards
Themes: Blue Plaid, Red Plaid, Holiday Red or Holiday Blue

Fall Recipe Cards
Themes: Autumn Bounty or Fall Leaves

Fall Recipe Cards
Themes: Acorn, Cornucopia, Harvest or Turkey

Ethnic Themes

Mexican Inspired
Themes: Terracotta or Azul

Irish Inspired
Themes: Celtic Print or Shamrock

Jewish Inspired
Themes: Ketubah Style or Star of David

General Themes

Herb Theme Recipe Cards

Pioneer Woman
Themes: Berries, Macaroni or Burger

Modern
Themes: Checker or Silhouette

Traditional
Themes: Tuscan or French

Our Family
Can be personalize with photo of family or recipe.

Grill Theme Recipe Card

The steps to creating your cookbook are simple. Once you have selected the desired cookbook, choose a theme, add photo (if desired) and text, then print.

The recipe cards are 4 x6 and can be printed on plain paper, photo paper or card stock. I've been able to purchase 4 x 6 photo paper in packs of 20 at dollar type stores. To create your cookbook insert the cards into a photo album or bind them together with yarn or ribbon. For a more professional look, have the cards spiral bound at an office supply store.