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.
Ah, Nagi, I’m so excited and happy for you! You have no idea how much I love getting your emails, amazing recipes and super cute pics of Dozer! Hugs from Washington State!
I’m so excited about your cookbook! I really enjoy your website and EVERY RECIPE I’ve tried has been AMAZING! You are my GO TO when I want to try something new ( which is quite often!) YOU ARE THE BEST! Thank you for sharing your incredible recipes with us. I can’t wait to buy your cookbook!!! ❤️🥰❤️
South African Cape Malay Babootie
Nagi, you are awesome ! Giving us a peek behind the scenes is a vulnerable and authentic act ! 2022 is going to be an amazing year for you ! Best Wishes!
Very excited about this! Your recipes are always fantastic Nagi!
I think Dozer should be on the front cover of your new cookbook!! He is a big part of recipetineats!! And he is super cute!!
Can’t wait for the book. It’s going to be amazing whatever size and hope you’re going to include a few pics of Dozer in there somewhere 🤣👍🤗x
I can’t wait to purchase your cookbook!, and Dozier is a welcome sight in the mornings for me💙
Magi, I pin all your recipes, I have made many, all excellent!!! My latest was your Black Forrest Cake
My German husband of only 9mths said, the BEST he’s ever eaten! Anything in your book will be Delish!!!
Wendylou
Looks like it is going to be a great cookbook. Looking forward to its release. I do like Kindle books for easy access..
Can’t wait for your book to be published. Your recipes are my go to for everything, and I have never had a fail.
So excited for you Nagi, I can’t wait to buy your cookbook for myself, my two daughters and my friends. All the best.
I love your newetters! Cannot wait to buy your cookbook. My first love was Maverick my Goldie (he’s been stealing donuts over the rainbow bridge for many years now) so whenever I see Dozer I melt, thank you for sharing him with us xx
I love the cover and colours
Simple clean effective
Lots of work going in to it But As I have come to the realisation with you Nagi that everything must get at least 2 thumbs up you go girl 😀😀😀🐶
Love your recipes you are my favourite chef cant wait for your cook book and absolutely love dozer
Soooo excited for the cookbook Nagi. Surely Dozer will make it on to the front cover?!?😊
Every recipe of yours is a winner. and they help my sister and I stay connected from opposite ends of Australia. We love sharing the culinary gold with each other, and isn’t that what good food is all about – love and family?
Stay awesome lady💜
Made the vegetarian lasagna last night, definitely is worthy of a place in cookbook.
Dozer is hilarious and the happiest dog in the world. Have you considered doing a Dozer Dog Cookbook? Also, I think your cookbook should have you and Dozer on the cover. 🙂
Really excited for you – and all of us loyal followers 🥰
Would love to see a doggo food section, Quality Controlled and with the paw of approval, from Dozer of course xx
What I wonderful idea!!
cant wait and goodluck xx