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.
I cannot wait for your new cookbook! I know it will be amazing. How could it be anything less than exceptional with Dozer supervising and consulting every step of the way? The two of you are too cute for words. Soul mates. Thanks for the update. Cheers from Fort Wayne, Indiana!
This cook book is going to be the 20’s version of the Woman’s Weekly go to cook book 🙂 Good work Nagi & huge hugs to Dozer xx
Love your cooking!!! I have tried so many of your recipes and we love them all. Cannot wait for your cookbook to be published so I can have them all in one place 😊
I love your energy, enthusiasm, humour, and all around brilliance – oh and your sharing. Thank you for being on the planet food. I am across the world in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia CANADA.
Nagi, I look forward to your recipes each week and will make your cookbook a Christmas gift favorite for 2022! Thanks for all you do! Love to Dozer!
So excited for your cookbook, let me know when we can pre-order!
I just love your recipes Navi whatever you include in your book, old & new will be just perfect
Don’t forget Dozer ! Xx
Dear Nagi, I just know your book will be perfect! You helped me create my own recipes, following yours! You are an inspiration!! Thank you! Greetings from Portugal!
Can’t wait for your new cookbook! Thanks for all the hard work!
Your recipes never let me down!
All your recipes are fabulous, there is no way I could pick out a favourite. The cookbook should include the ones you feel the best about. I love your recipes. Whatever you choose will be awesome.
Hi Nagi, I love getting your emails and recipes!! You are an inspiration. So looking forward to your cookbook!! Keeping up with Dozer is an always makes me smile bonus!! Thank you for sharing your work with all of us.
I’m like everyone else and cannot wait for this dream book. It’s nice to know I can go to your website but I adore books and it will be nice to have a book to hold! That being said I will wait patiently so you have the time you deserve to put this together. Alas, it would also not be complete without Dozer, so I hope he has his place of honor!
Hi Nagi,
Will there be an electronic/soft copy of your book?
Can I pre-order your cookbook?
Nagi, you can do no wrong. I have enjoyed all your recipes
I am so looking forward to your cookbook! Your website is my go-to “cookbook” now – but prefer not to have my open computer next to the stove!
I hope that your book will also be in French version and available in Canada !!!
Nagi this is so exciting!! I’m always amazed by your hard work, dedication, and positive attitude. Keep up the amazing work, you are an inspiration!!
Nagi can’t wait for your book. Look forward to your emails everyweek.love your craic. And your recipes. Good luck.
Hi Nagi, I love the idea of your cookbook. Can’t wait until it comes out. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes and suggestions. Just love Dozer also. Pam
I’m really excited about your cookbook. I live I the Netherlands and I was wondering if you’re going to include weight conversions etc. What I love about your recipes online is that you show not how g’s and oz’s. Obviously we have different products available here so it’d also be fab if can include alternatives to some products (for example we don’t get lovely thickness double cream here).
I’m also very much hoping that your book will be available to buy over here! I love your recipes! Thanks for helping a disorganised and uninspired mum to feed her family!! Oh and Dozer is the best! 🤩