How to Write a Family Recipe Book and Have It Professionally Printed

Step 1: Collect Recipes from Family Members

Ask around: Reach out to parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins for their favourite recipes.

Record details: Note ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking times, and serving suggestions.

Include memories: Ask family members to share stories about the recipes—where it came from, who made it best, or which occasions it was served on.

Step 2: Organise the Recipes

Choose categories: e.g. Starters, Mains, Desserts, Baking, Holiday Dishes, Comfort Food.

Group by family member or generation if your focus is on preserving heritage.

Include an index so recipes are easy to find.

Step 3: Test and Edit

Make each recipe if you're unsure about quantities or steps.

Standardise measurements using either metric or imperial—choose one for consistency.

Proofread carefully—check for typos, unclear steps, or missing ingredients.

Step 4: Add Personal Touches

Photos: Include pictures of the dishes, family members cooking, or past holiday gatherings.

Stories: Write short intros to each recipe with memories or origin stories.

Tips and tricks: Add little handwritten notes, substitutions, or 'secret ingredients'.

Step 5: Design the Layout

You can:

Use templates from programmes like Canva, Adobe InDesign, or Microsoft Word.

Hire a designer via platforms like Fiverr or Upwork for a polished look.

Include a dedication page, table of contents, and family tree if you wish.

Step 6: Choose a Printing Option

Here are popular UK-friendly options:

Blurb (blurb.co.uk) – Offers cookbook-specific templates and small-batch printing.

Mixam (mixam.co.uk) – Known for high-quality print and reasonable prices.

Photobox – More image-focused, great for photo-heavy books.

Local printers – If you want to support a nearby business and see paper samples in person.

Choose:

Binding: Spiral (great for kitchen use) or hardcover (for heirloom appeal).

Paper type: Opt for matt or silk finish to resist smudges in the kitchen.

Step 7: Print and Share

Order copies for family members.

Consider gifting the book at Christmas, birthdays, weddings, or family reunions.

If there's wider interest, you can even sell it through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing or Etsy.

Bonus Ideas

Add a QR code to video clips of family members making the recipes.

Include a “Your Notes” section so people can personalise each recipe.

Create a digital version (PDF or e-book) for tech-savvy relatives.