I use a multi pronged approach. I have my best/favorite/sentimental recipes in a special book. I have a whole two shelf, good sized book case of cookbooks. Most of those books have one or two recipes that I use, and can immediately go to the exact page if needed. Mostly, I rely on memory when cooking. All in all, we're pretty basic in our eating. Been making the same stroganoff recipe for years, and know it by heart. Same with banana bread, egg rolls, or home made pizza crust. Pretty much everything is made without referring to recipe. DH finds things on line to try once in awhile, so those go in a folder if we decide it's a keeper. Works for us.