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.
Love your recipes & good luck with the book. Dozer it one great hero.
Cannot wait for your cookbook to be published. It is going to be amazing. All the very best and I will keep a look out so I can purchase one, or two or more.
Please put in you mexican lasagne with tortilla layers and black beans. I have been cooking it for years based on your recipe and its our family favourite. Cant wait to see the book. Oh and dozer definately needs to be on the cover
Hi Nagi, could you please weave your magic and come up with a spinach quiche recipe? (such a classic but so hard to find a good recipe}
Hey Nagi, can you nail a great chocolate chiffon cake ? I reckon it’ll be a first – most recipes end up with a rather flat tasting cake but I think the world is ready for something more substantial , yes a chocolate version of your wonderful vanilla cake ! :))
Hafa Adai Nagi..I truly enjoy reading your scrumptious recipes that I receive thru e-mail. I look forward to your NEW COOKBOOK for 2022..best regards & take care..hug Dozer for me…bye
I have cooked many of your recipes and they have all turned out great. I cant wait to see your book
Please include your ‘Meatloaf’. It is delish!!! My family loves it and wants only your recipe for ‘meatloaf’ created. Excellent Job with your new cookbook. I am looking forward to using it. Thank you for sharing the cookbook journey.
So much work, Nagi! But so worth it! Can’t wait for your cookbook to be released!
Nagi all your so called fails look good to me they make my mouth water keep up the great food, love your posts and can’t wait for the cookbook
I wish I was your neighbour so I could be a taste tester 🤣🤣, I love your chicken and broccoli with Charlie sauce, I make it at least once a week 😋😋
I can’t wait! Christmas presents for 2022 all sorted. I can picture you and Dozer on the cover, wearing matching aprons and matching big smiles.
Thank you for sharing your process!
It is so cool to see how dedicated you are and your deadset enthusiasm to making amazing food.
You have truly saved my kitchen, will be on the pre-sale list as soon as I can be! xx
There are so many loyal Nagi followers waiting for this book! A large first run at the publishers I hope. It will be great to have a book to browse through at weekly menu/shopping planning time. Thanks for the inspiration, and wonderful flavoursome food.
Hi Nagi, I’m from the UK and RTE website is my bible for recipes. Your recipes are so easy to follow that I’m actually making amazing food! 🙂 I can’t wait for your cookbook.
Please, please include some of your amazing recipes from the website. Favourites are pasta, Asian/stir fry, Mexican and chicken. Love your recipes – it will be fab – I just hope I will be able to get it in the UK! Please also can it have metric measurements as we don’t do cups!
Hi Nagi…I am a big fan…every time I am keen to try a new recipe I go straight to your FB page to check something out…I have over 20 of your recipes saved in my profile and enjoy trying out new ones each week! You offer such great , tasty recipes and your alternatives are the best 😃👌
Please put in a Malaysian Curry Chicken recipe!!
I’ve just discovered your recipes Nagi and they are amazing.. I cannot wait to see your cookbook!
Until Tin Eats, I was afraid of attempting Asian-style cooking not knowing how to do the sauces. Nagi’s instructions are clear and I LOVE the TASTE of her suggestions. My repertoire has widened thanks to Nagi