3 1/2 weeks into making the first RecipeTin cookbook – take a peek behind the scenes!
Like a GIANT jigsaw puzzle…..!!! 🤯
My publisher put it best when they said that we’re at that stage right now when it feels like we’ve tipped out the contents of a (giant) jigsaw puzzle! That’s exactly how I feel – I can see a gazillion pieces that I know will fit together at the end, but it’s hard to decide where to start.
To be honest, after pottering around for a few days like a lost soul, trying to figure out the best way to tackle this project, I just decided to dive into what I love doing the most – cooking. 🤷🏻♀️ If it’s delicious, there will be a home for it!, is my current thinking. I know I know, the book structure and chapters are important, my publisher keeps reminding me.
But right now, I want to get into the cookbook headspace by getting excited about creating new recipes!
Is it Cookbook Worthy??
Is it Cookbook Worthy? That’s a new official term around these parts that gets thrown around a LOT these days! We even have a rating system:
Room to improve
OK
Good 👌🏻
GREAT! ✅✅ <<– Goes without saying, these are the only ones that make it in!
But then there’s also:
FAIL ❌ 👎🏻
More of those happening than I care to admit….
In case you are wondering, that’s a Chilli Garlic Prawn Pasta. A candidate for the Emergency Meals chapter. Looked so promising, but it just lacked flavour……
More “fails” – Strawberry Custard Tarts. Well, not fails. They were fine and perfectly edible. But they weren’t good enough! Custard not set enough in the large one, and the ratio of crust to custard was out in the small ones.
But so adorable!
Strawberry Tart – not good enough! 
Mini Strawberry Tarts – also not good enough!
Though according to Dozer, I haven’t had a fail yet…. My greatest kitchen cheerleader. Always gives me full marks for my efforts! (Except when it involves raw kale or cucumber).
Post-it notes and spreadsheets 🤯
The other aspect of cookbook making – organisation and brainstorming. So many post-it notes… so many giant spreadsheets! 🤯 I literally have pads of post-it notes all over the house, in my handbag, in the car, even on my bedside table. Whenever a fleeting thought of inspiration crosses my mind, I jot it down then add it to the Wall Of Ideas.
It’s gonna be BIG!
The other thing that became apparent immediately after I put out the call out asking for your input on the cookbook – it’s gonna be much bigger than originally planned! The initial thinking was 120 recipes, the vast majority of which would be new ones.
But then so many of you cried out for existing website favourites as “must include”, it made me realise that I should, I need to include these favourites as well. However, there was no way I was going to rob you of the new recipes I was planning to create.
So instead, I just increased the number of recipes in the cookbook up to a whopping 160 recipes. 😇PLUS all the extras, the life essentials like rice, stock, sides etc.
This is going to be one big cookbook!
OK, signing off for today. I have recipes to create!! Dishes to wash! Back Friday with a brand new recipe…. it’s a big one…… – Nagi x
PS Just a mock cover!!! Absolutely no thoughts yet on the real cover design. And you know full well I’m going to get your input!!
Life of Dozer
When you see his back half, you can pretty much guarantee the front half is up to no good… let’s see, shall we…?
Yep. I knew it.
Can’t for the book😍😍
I think the book cover should be you and dozer xx
Hahaha ….you and Dozer make my day Everyday!!!!
Please include Dozer on the cover of your cookbook! He’s a big part of it after all!
You are the BEST!!
Dozer must have a special chapter of your cookbook, or even make the Cover!!!
I can’t wait for your new recipe book Nagi… bring it on!
Love all your recipes… would also like to know if you will be pre-selling the book. I definitely want to order one! Note to Dozer: My golden retriever Molly loves Cucumbers and is always under foot when there is food around.
Cookbook cover: please, no typical cooking pictures. Something with you and Dozer showing the beautiful beaches or outdoors areas near you, something that’s a “happy place” for both of you.
I think your wonderful. I always look forward to your next post to see what wonderful surprises you have for me🥰
So looking forward to your new cook book. One thought I had on it is. When you sell the cook books can you include a DVD or a usb stick or etc.
One of the things I like about your posts is it is so easy to use and to find other things you have posted. Keep it up👍
I am so excited to hear about your new future cookbook!! I’ve been printing our favorite recipes, sticking them in sheet protectors and keeping them in a binder for easy access. Your new cookbook will be well used and appreciated, as I have yet to make one of your recipes that wasn’t delicious! Please include a quick “Oh no, everyone is hungry and I need dinner fast section”. Thank you for all you do for your community and for the rest of us!
Nagi, you and Dozer are an inspiring duo! Thank you for an upbeat daily reminder that life is good, we all can be a part of helping others, and a little chuckle is a brilliant part of living! I, too, would love to preorder your book. Also, is there a way we can monetarily participate as you feed those in need?
Maybe you could create a year book 365 recipes I could cope with 1 a day 🤣
Carrot cake everyone loves it and asks me for recipe Best one ever
Hello from Canada!!
I just LOVE all your recipes as do my family and I always share them with my sisters….who by the way…love them too!! They have all been a success. Thank you for the humour you put into your posts and for including adorable Dozer too. Please be sure to include him in your new cookbook!!
Eagerly awaiting the launch of your cookbook – I’m sure it goes without saying that Dozer is on the front.
Can I pre order your cookbook please , I’ve been doing your recipes for about 2 years now, ( my hubby even said last night that I have bettered the Chinese restaurant)
Can’t wait to see the new book 😊😊🥰
Sending patience and organization your way for the cookbook undertaking! I have my own “Nagi cookbook” – currently it consists two 3inch binders with your recipes that I’ve printed separated with tabs for all your yummy recipes!! It just keeps growing!!
I stumbled across your website about a year ago. I was looking for a different lamb recipe, I tried your Greek Lamb, since then I have become addicted, not only to your recipes but to your personality. You make me smile a lot, just one look at your happy face and your funny comments starts my day off upbeat. If I don’t have time to fool around with recipes, I go to yours as they hit a 10 every time. I do like the cover of your cookbook but I’m going to ask you to make it bigger ha. Or write a 2nd. You are so creative, I would love to see what you would come up with for dinner party gourmet recipes, There are so many recipes out there for everyday meals but nothing ‘over the top’. I’m sure you could knock this category out of the water. Just a thought!
Is your cookbook available for “pre-sale”? I definitely want to buy one! My family loves your recipes! Also, please include Dozer somewhere in your book 😉
May we preorder your cookbook?
We have been loving all your recipes, thank you, Nagi. I can’t wait to see your new cookbook.