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.
What an inspiring enterprise. Your recipes are easy to follow and always turn out delicious. Congratulations!
Can’t wait!
Don’t believe the failures. Your food is amazing and foolproof, thanks to your tireless prior testing. Your effort pays off.
Book ideas: Main meals for families, special occasion cakes for birthdays etc, special occasion groupings Australia Day, Easter, Christmas etc.
Love your planning methods. Rough index first (and Foreward if you can) should help book ideas and focus take shape.
Love your work!! It will all be worth it in the end when the accolades (and sales) come your way. Stella
CWA have a similar cover, love it , stands out
Hi Nagi,
Can you also suggest good equipment to use? Knives, pans etc… thank you. Love your recipes & Dozer too. x
Just can’t wait for your new cookbook Nagi – it will become our one and only go-to I’m sure!
I have great faith in your choice of recipes for your book. Let your personality shine through – I love your anecdotes above recipes. Make sure you include some of those little personal touches.
Can’t wait for your book. It’s going to save me googling a recipe, looking for Nagi then printing out. Keep up the great work Nagi ( and dozer ).
Love your stuff
Hi Nagi.. all very exciting. Can hardly wait. I saw your handwritten note: Porchetta! Could you really be thinking of giving us a how to on this food from Italian heaven? Oh.. please!
Look after yourself amidst all the seriously hard work…
I love your recipes, I do try to keep up! Very easy to follow, and if I do them properly, absolutely stunning! Oh and you and Dozer are hilarious together ❤
Nagi I pretty much only cook your recipes after I “discovered” you. The flavours are amazing and I love your video of each recipe. Can’t wait for this cook book and so looking fwd to testing them all over time. Anything you serve up in your book will be just fine with me- please hurry – I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Oh Nagi! Where to start, when all your loyal readers want their own family faves included!! And then you want new recipes. Fact: your recipes work, really! Organising and prioritising is going to be so, so hard, but stick with it, we love you (and Dozer, big time) Post-it notes are a lifesaver for me, how did we exist without them? Hang in there, you deserve success. Ruth XX
Ugh I cannot wait for this!!
Can you add some pictures of Dozer.?🐶
Nagi, EVERY recipe I have tried of yours has been a hit with friends and family. You make me look good as a cook. Thank you. Can’t wait for your new Cookbook!
Uh oh…looks like a dusty Dozer! Is he a help to the reno guys? Has he picked up any tips on plumbing?
Cookbook is chugging along! Yay! Will I be able to order direct from RTE or Amazon?
I’m salivating already…especially for the new recipes you plan to include. Could you perhaps give your loyal followers a sneak peek when the time is right? Luv you for all the hard work and dedication!
Oh boy! I can’t wait for your book 5o come out. I plan on making every single one. One day at a time. Meals sorted for 160 days.
I just luuuuvvv your recipes, Nagi!
And I love the mock up cook book cover! It says YOU, and it should.
A big hug for Dozer.
Just enjoying your recipes which have been a big success here esp. during Sydney lockdown.
I really think the food kitchen is a great idea and am excited about your cookbook. It is HUGE project so hang in there. I ‘get’ the thing with the post it notes.
Dozer is just gorgeous. There is something so special about goldens. My golden bot Bailey loves most food so is often at my feet in the kitchen. Even if the recipe is not for our family, I always check out the Dozer photo. Goldens add a smile to your day. Thanks Nagi.
Can’t wait for this cookbook and I’m so happy you’re putting “old favourites” in as well. Love your recipes Nagi 😀 Also how did you come up with the name recipe tin eats??
Nagi i dont usually purchase cookbooks esp because there are so many recipes available but let me tell you, i will buy yours, hands down! I hope there will be a few vegan recipes to try!! Courage!!