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. 😂
Stop, Even the the man upstairs rested, so everyone else should be able to. As a fan of yours, the cookbook will be reward for waiting.!!
Thanks! N x
You have so many beautiful recipes, that my family love. You deserve a break. I am very much looking forward to your cookbook in 2022. Cannot wait. Take care.
Thanks! N x
You are NOT a failure! Just look at all the glorious recipes on the blog! If you need to devote some time to the new cookbook, so be it! We’ll be here waiting!
Hi Nagi
All Legends need a break!! Just enjoy your cookbook as I’m looking forward to it!! I make so many of your recipes my son says ‘ Mumma you love RTE’.
Awwww! SO sweet! N x
It’s been an absolute pleasure stumbling on this site! Every single recipe I have tried has worked perfectly. As a perfectionist myself, I appreciate all your hard work making each recipe precise and perfect so we can replicate your successes in the kitchen. All the best with the upcoming cookbook!
Hi Nagi,
I love love love your recipes! Can not wait for your recipe book, I am 100% sure it’s going to be amazing as you put so much work and love in what you do.
We will wait passionately for new updates and new recipes but please take care of yourself first! ❤️
As I used to say during my life in tv – “a rerun is only a rerun if they’ve seen it before”! I’m sure there are literally dozens of not hundreds of your recipes that most of us have not caught up with and will be delighted when they appear. Go, do what you have to do. We’ll be here cooking (the 12-hour-lamb for me this weekend) and waiting for your book.
Everyone needs a break Nagi.. we will be here when you are ready ❤
Thanks! N x
Hey Super Woman + Super Dozer,
Please do NOT put yourself down. You can only do what you can do within the time constraints.
I know that I speak for everyone who follow your wonderful blog, we really cannot wait for your fantastic cookbook – you spend as much time on it that you need – we are definitely NOT going anywhere – ‘recipetineeats’ has plenty on its blog to keep us creating amazing meals for a very long time to come.
Keep on creating your magic and I cannot wait to see your wonderful book in print xox
Nagi! Firstly, imagine me with a 2X4 about to smack you upside the head. Secondly (and most importantly) – geez louise, I love your recipes. I love your passion, hard work, enthusiasm, and ESPECIALLY your SKILL!!!!!! Oh, and Dozer too. 🙂
Here’s the thing: any amount of time you need to take off, to allow more magic recipes to froth forth is a-okay. This is called “sharpening the saw”, and is essential so that you can carry on.
Keep up the good work!!!!!!
I have made so many of your recipes and my family have loved them all. There are however so many more that I haven’t tried yet, so don’t beat yourself up, you are doing a great job.
Oh! Thank you! N x
Good luck with the cook book ! Your amazing
Look after yourself first Nagi. Love your recipes and look forward to your book.
Give Dozer a cuddle.
Good luck
I’ve ever bought a cookbook in my life but I am excited for your cookbook and I will definitely purchase a copy!
Take a break, there are a ton of great recipes here I still need to try, I’m sure I can wait a couple weeks before I see anything new. One of my favourite sites, I won’t be leaving you anytime soon. Looking forward to the cookbook. 😘
This “pause” is not a failure!! You have so many great recipes on your website already and that will keep all your regular readers like me happy for a very long time. It’s nice to know you are actually “human” as opposed to some sort of “super human” trying to do it all. I look forward to your new cookbook!! Wishing you all the success in the world!!
Thank you! N x
I was wondering how you keep posting new recipes daily. Massive effort. Understandable that you would go offline for a bit. Looking forward to the new cook book!
I rarely use cook book! You are my cookbook Nagi! That’s all I need you wonderful legend! Thanku and rest as best as U can! Xc
You’re amazing! Good luck! Everyone needs a break !! We have enough recipes of your recipes to last us don’t you worry! Please try to add a cauliflower wing recipe 😁
Rest up. Now were out of Lockdown [I’m in The Shire] lets hope the sun starts shining and we all feel like entertaining again !!! Personally, I’m no cook but your recipes have inspired me and lots have been tweaked and used in my slow cooker over winter. Thanks Nagi x
You are amazing Nagi. This will give me more time to explore past recipe posts. I will be saying prayers and good vibes on your work with the cookbook.