Umbra PortoChef Recipe Album

After my first Umbra disappointment, I was skeptical of their PortoChef Recipe Album. Promotional photos and reality don’t often jibe in my world.

I love the concept. Its 26 plastic sleeves wipe clean and hold computer printouts or magazine clippings, both of which I have in abundance. My makeshift recipe album does this, but it’s just a three ring binder with plastic sheet protectors.

But I was swayed by the sleek European design, the black leather finish and how it stands out of the way while keeping the recipe in plain view.

So $25 later I took it home.

As you can see, my teal binder is functional, but not nearly as sexy.

Even when propped up.

A side-by-side comparison turns my Staples Special into Umbra’s ugly step sister.

Then I decided to cook. Hmmm. The Umbra displays only one recipe at a time. I usually need two or more. No problem, I’ll just take out one of the sheets — Not so fast, Spendy Girl.

Turns out the Umbra is a sealed system. Those fancy black matte rings don’t open. Not only can’t I remove them, I can’t add to the album either. Which means I’ve got 26 sheets to play with. No more, no less. I later learn this point is moot since no one sells replacement two-ring, top punched sheet protectors anyway.

A quick flip through my binder of main courses (desserts have their own album) yields 53 sheet protectors and counting. If I include my extensive dessert collection I’d need at least four Umbras.

Permit me to recap before moving on. Umbra’s concept:

My reality:

Two recipes from my album, Blu Tacked to the cupboard skirt. A cookbook and index card on the Cooknook, plus a little help from the Portochef.

Not the tidy solution I’d imagined, but with a little effort, I just might be able to make this work.

Or not.