Hello everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be pressing pause on new recipes for the next two to three weeks so I can devote some uninterrupted time on the cookbook.
It takes a lot for me to concede defeat and accept that I can’t do it all – run a business*, renovate a home, work on a cookbook and maintain my existing recipe posting schedule. Lockdown certainly didn’t help matters to increase my workload – though on a cheerier note, as of Monday of this week, the lockdown rules have been substantially relaxed here in Sydney. 🙌🏻
I found myself getting up earlier and earlier (currently 4.30am 😩), going to bed later and later. And while I always declare that I operate best under pressure, the reality is I’m only human and darn it, I need my beauty sleep!!!
* Yes, I finally realised this year that I have a real business! This “it’s just a food blog” somehow grew into a proper business over the past year with a team of 9, including RecipeTin Meals, the recently established philanthropic division where we use recipes from the website to make homemade meals for the vulnerable community here in Sydney.
Another fail! Well, it was ok…but not good enough for the cookbook! 
Planning mode. No, this is not a cookbook for vegans…
I’m in a particularly intensive planning stage of the cookbook right now and am struggling to split my focus between new recipes for the website and the cookbook. To be honest, it was the cookbook that was suffering – because I would never hit publish on a recipe I didn’t give my all.
So on Sunday night, I made the call for the first time ever since I started the website – to temporarily press pause on new recipe content for this website.
It somehow feels like failure – this is my job after all – and like I’m letting my team down. We worked so hard to create a stash of new recipes to get ahead, test and retest them, make videos and photos. There’s weeks’ of digital media for ridiculously delicious new recipes ready to go, just waiting for me to write up.
The problem? It takes anywhere between 4 to 8 hours to write the posts, depending on the complexity of the recipes. As an example, last weeks’ Flan Patissier? That took me a good 8 hours to write the post, edit the photos, do the step photos, describe the ingredients and write the recipe. And many multiple times that in recipe development and testing time!
Yes, a lot goes on behind the scenes to produce the recipe content that gets published on this website. And I love everything about what I do, and I look forward to getting back to it!
The Flan Patissier recipe that took around 8 hours to write up. 
I think this final version was the 23rd Flan Patissier I made in the last 4 months!
But for now, the cookbook. I’m going to give myself 3 weeks to make a big dent in the cookbook, then I’ll be back with new recipes!
In the meantime, you may see some old favourites coming back to the homepage over the next few weeks with new videos or photos that I’ve had ready to go.
And, well, you know me. I probably won’t be able to resist popping back into your inbox to let you know how I’m getting on, and a peek behind the scenes of the making of the cookbook!
Until then, stay well! I’ll be back with brand new recipes before you know it.
Love – Nagi & Dozer 🐶 x
REMINDER: Mock cover! Mock cover! 😇
Life of Dozer
New discovery during cookbook recipe development – how to make Dozer eat carrots!!! Puree them with a hint of spicing, top with a braised baby carrot, drizzle with organic olive oil and finish with an edible flower. 😂
Aw Nagi, putting your health first can never be seen as failure; but as strength. Take care, these are crazy times – and as many have already said..,we have more than enough recipes to keep us going!!
Thanks! N x
Yay, so excited about the cookbook, we will be buying it for sure! Enjoy the time off from the blog, have fun!
Nagi we love your dedication and attention to detail however it shouldn’t be at the expense of your health. Take the time out to balance your life and work on your cookbook. Your dedicated followers will completely understand. It’s great to re-visit old favourites anyway. Xxx
Thank you! N x
Completely agree with Holly – and the best thing about your recipes Nagi is that they all work and taste delicious! I cook a la Nagi at least a couple of times a week. :O) Hope you have a lot of fun making the cookbook and keep up all the great charity work you are doing on the side as well. Hats off to you. Simone
Thanks Simone! N x
Great to meet more of the Nagi behind recipetineats who is authentic and open, just like your fantastic recipes. This is my first and favorite site when looking for ideas/ways to cook. I think you run a fantastic program, please continue to be amazing!
James from Penang Malaysia
Don’t be so hard on yourself! We’ll all be here when you return and bonus is we get a cookbook next year 🙌 be kind to yourself and enjoy the process. Elyse Xxx
Thanks! N x
Hi Nagi,
I am totally inlove with your recipes. I had a stroke a few years ago but with a little patience and practice, I am cooking again. EVERYTHING is absolutely delicious. I honestly can say that I only use recipe tin eats. Take some time out for your (our😉) recipe book, there’s enough to keep us cooking for a very long time.
Good luck and see you back when your ready. Xx
Kim
Nagi,
Since I started visiting recipetineats I have often been amazed at just how much content you post. This is not the typical food blog sched. Maybe with you taking this break I might make a tiny dent in my enormous list of recipes to try from your site (and I have already made ALOT of them). I hope you allow yourself enough time creating this cookbook to enjoy the process. Your readers might be some of the most loyal – we will all be eagerly waiting 😉
Cheers,
Holly x
Thanks! N x
Good luck with the book Nagi. I really enjoy your recipes 🙂
There’s enough here to keep us all busy. Make sure you take care of you (and Dozer)!
Thanks! I will…N x
I’m glad you’re putting the cookbook first. I can hardly wait for it, whereas your web site is already bursting with incredible recipes. Thank you for working so hard for us – but now please look after yourself. x
PS I hope your easy chocolate fudge cake will be in the book!
Thanks! N x
When you return to recipes why don’t you cut back on your output. Dozer would appreciate that and there are already so many wonderful recipes on your website. Smell the roses!
Thank you…that’s a good idea! N x
We use at least one recipe of yours a week and none have failed! You have turned some of my co-workers who think adding extra cheese to a frozen store-bought lasagna is “cooking from scratch” to real chefs by following your amazing recipes. Keep yourself well and heathy in body. mind and spirit.
Aw nagi don’t be so hard on yourself!!! You are not a disappointment, you’re doing an amazing job! All of us support you (and dozer lol) so look after yourself! Take your time and I’m def excited to see what the cookbook has in store
I so enjoy your recipes and I wish you great success on your cookbook. We especially love your coleslaw and veggies and ramen noodles recipe. You do a wonderful job.
Can’t wait for your cookbook, and dozens view other all. Love your web sites, keep it coning
Hi Nagi you must be so busy made your tray bake pork chops last night for probably the 20th time sooo good concentrate on your cookbook can’t wait for its release
Thank you! N x
Nagi,
Taking a break is a good idea.
It is NOT a FAILURE. It’s actually a sign of maturity to set boundaries.
You have a lot going on. Soon, you will be moving back to your renovated home and that is a stressful event.
Your new cookbook project will take better shape with your focusing on it.
We are fortunate to have so many of your recipes.
We support you in all your undertakings. Your dedication is noteworthy and your presentations are always marvelous.
Much love and best wishes to you.
CoCo
Central Florida, USA
Bloody hell .. just cooked the best eye fillet rare, with red wine Jus, perfect crispy potatoes & Nagis green beans with garlic.. AND THE COMMENTS
Oh those beans are too die for !!
Love you Nagi.. sometime xxx🤣
Glad they were a hit! N x
Nagi dear, we love you and support you. You give us so much already, so take your break, get centered. We are your loyal fans and will be right here waiting for you. Do send us an update maybe once a week so we know you and Dozer are ok.
You will ALWAYS hear from Dozer!! N x