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.
You are an absolute delight to watch… can’t wait for your new cookbook! I too…love all of your recipes!
I think a food picture on the cover that will WOW. I think it is too bland and I would just walk by it if I didn’t know what delicious recipes were inside. You are looking to initiate the newby; us insiders are already a fan. So gorgeous plate of food or something coming off the stove or coming out of the oven.
Cover design???
Well, absolutely positively has to include you and Dozer!!!🥰
I have never been more excited about a cookbook. I can’t wait for it to be done. I love all your recipes.
Would love to have a recipe for Banana Bread? A nice moist bread with raisins and nuts.
Still hoping that you perfect the strawberry tarts and publish them on website at least!
I have never tried one of your recipes we haven’t loved! I cannot wait for your cookbook! Thanks for all you do.
So fun to see a peek behind the scenes! I love how you organize & show your process. It’s gonna be awesome! All the very best!
I made suggestions previously so won’t repeat then. Looking forward to your cookbook! Of course, I’m hoping it won’t have any minced beef in it…lol! JK! Wink, wink
Genuinely wishing you the best in the cookbook endeavor!
Navi, I love your blog! Among my “go to” recipes are Lime Chicken (with Korean hot sauce added to marinade), Chicken Tenders, and Beef Enchiladas. Please consider adding these to your cookbook, which I’m looking forward to.
So much work but I’m sure it will be worth all the toil and trouble. I’m excited for you! Go forth and conquer the cooking world (you have already conquered us here in my kitchen).
This cookbook will be a best seller! We don’t buy cookbooks anymore but will make allowances for this one. Thanks Karen & friends Australia
Pad See Ew, Biryani, Flat Bread, Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass, Thai Green Curry, Massam Curry, Filet O Fish, Chocolate cake, Buttercream frosting (the extra whipping Wowza)…meatloaf (I had to)🤣
Although not necessarily for your cookbook, I would love to to see someday, your take on duck rillettes.
Your great Nagi (and Dozer) you are my no.1 go to for recipes.
would like to purchase your cook book
So excited to see the final product. I know it will be amazing! Thank you for sharing your process.
I nominated before, not sure what happened, but one of my favorite recipes you posted, was your Beef Stroganoff. The recipe is so delicious and easy. Especially using thin cut ribeye and done on the stove top🥰
Hi! I’ll look forward to your cookbook. I don’t cook often, but when I do, it always turns out delicious. Most recent: lamb shanks, yum!!
Your cookbook is number one on my Xmas wish list. Covid has helped me be a better cook as much as my mother and grandmother did. Now there is you! Hello from USA.
I’m so excited about this cookbook! My 14 year old daughter has already told me she wants a copy too… she’s learning to cook using your recipes, Nagi. Thank you, and we can’t wait!