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 love all your recipes, so for sure will be getting your book! Congratulations and best wishes!
Sooo looking forward to your cook book ! Could their be a chapter for Dozer dog treats? Also? Just a thought . He is part of the team.🥰
Put me down(not literally😂) for a copy please Nagi
Lovely update, more recipes in your book can only be a good thing, it’s sounding so good especially with reliable Dozer testing the recipes x
Cannot wait to purchase your book.
So can’t wait. When can we pre-order? I neeeeed the 1st edition 😉
Love you, Dozer & your delicious recipes♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ Can’t wait to purchase your book!!
Oh the anticipation of ‘Nagi on a Plate 2022’……Dozer has the headstart with his nose in it already! x
I’m so happy Nagi that you are including older much loved recipes from FB Etc, I’m quite sick of trying to find them in my saved recipes, now I will be able to have a page open in front of me as I cook and not have to refresh the page constantly, grrrr.I can’t wait for your book, thank you so much for the inspiration you inspire in your supporters, Roxy
I soooo want to have a recipe from moi included in your cookbook, really trying hard to think of because most of my recipes were once yours Nagi😂
Really looking forward to your book.
Will it be available before Christmas?
Hi Nagi
Thank you so much for your delicious recipes. They accompany me almost every day 😋
Is it possible to make a reservation for your cookbook? Do you distribute to Switzerland? I would be so happy about it!!!!
Thank you so much for your heart blood given to all your recipes and comments about Dozer.
All the best from Switzerland
Brigitte
Nagi your recipes make me look like a fabulous cook. I love them all. Looking forward to the cookbook.
Greetings from the not so sunny 🙈 west coast of Ireland ☘️☘️☘️
Please please consider “Lay Flat Spiral Binding”
Happy Wednesday …
Gerry☘️
I second the lay flat spiral binding idea! That would be perfect.
I am very excited about your upcoming cookbook! I love being able to print your Recipetineats recipes as you are my absolute, first in line, total favourite choice for ALL recipes. To be able to buy a lovely cookbook written by you, the BEST recipe creator ever, is wonderful. Give the gorgeous Dozer a pat and cuddle from me ❤❤❤
I actually like your name for cookbook cover. I don’t know how to pronounce naarrrgi (very Aussie) for Japanese name. But it’s unique to you your big personality and amazing food that is all masterful at teaching techniques.
Best of luck Nagi. Can’t wait to see the finished product! Absolutely adore you & your recipes. Good on you & Dozer for brightening up everyone’s day!
We need a cookbook that contains tasty everyday meals
including ethnic dishes such as Italian, Latino,, European,
Asian, American, etc.
A cookbook which makes a non cook appear to be a good cook only because she/he knows how to follow a great recipe!
asian,
Looking forward to your cookbook. Estimated time off arrival?
Can’t wait ^..^