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.
Mmmm, I spied a lamb shank tagine post it note! Looking forward to that one! Good luck Nagi.
Nagi, I LOVE the way you are approaching this new venture! Your positive attitude is infectious and well worth catching. I am really looking forward to more emails like this as you progress further into your ‘book of dreams’. Thank you for being you and sharing your wonderful recipes 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 ❤️ joy
I look at your face ! Then I look at Dozer . . . and I know everything is going just fine with this new pregnancy ! Well, perchance the size of Dozer’s bottom has to be kept in mind as the weeks and months progress 🙂 ! Actually I love the book cover which isn’t !!! And the thought of leafing and reading thru’ 180 recipes . . . . and yes, we badly need this in our hands . . . back to the kitchen, gal . . . . want to see all your new ideas . . .
Ohhh, definitely You and Dozer on the front cover. I can hardly wait for your cookbook to be released. Super exciting you are creating one. Love the photo of Dozer in the construction zone. Excellent supervisor. 🙂 Hugs dear Dozer.
Nagi, it’s great but your beautiful face needs to be on the cover. Thank you for all of your hard work, and sharing Dozer with us all.
I love your vegan recipes and always know that the recipe will be wonderful. I admire your strength and commitment . I will preorder when you are ready to announce that.
Can’t wait . I think the cover looks great
Looks like great progress
Looking forward to end result
Really enjoy your posts and recipes
I have been following and cooking your dishes for over 12 months now . So much to LOVE. My son says when I suggest a new meal ” so its from Nagi , yes? ” Always yes!
So excited for a cookbook.
So excited soooooo excited, don’t care what you call it or what’s on the cover I JUST WANT IT
Include an appendix on fresh herbs and your recipes they can be used in.
I am in awe !!! Just as with your wonderful in-depth recipe explanations – the “why”s and Notes etc. Here too you describe the road from an idea to (I hope) a cookbook is so interesting !. Many thanks for sharing this with us.
Our most favourite and delicious recipe is the Acqua Pazza, this seriously such an amazing recipe, and most definitely cookbook worthy! thank you ♥️Special side note to the crumbed sardines which were yummo
Hi Nagi
Please don’t forget to put in your basic Chinese recipes to include fried rice and how to make Chinese sauces, cooking Chinese veg etc. We are western living in HK and love your recipes to learn how to cook the basic authentic Cantonese and Chinese dishes. Apart from this, Dozer must feature in your cookbook. We don’t have a dog due to space in hk and we’d love to have one so we love seeing and reading about Dozer, he looks adorable and I feel we all own him now – LoL. Keep up the great recipes and Life of Dozer ! Thanks
Your cookbook will be a winner cannot wait
Loved the post with Dozer,s nose I. He bin. He is one special boy 🐶❤️
Love the cookbook title but I read ‘me on a plate’ and saw a picture of a frypan ?
Also love your work 🙂
Do you think you’ll get it done by Xmas lol. I would love to put in as number #1 on my Xmas list to Santa 😉 can’t wait for it. keep those recipes coming x
So cool. Can’t wait for it to come out.
I am beyond excited for this cookbook. THIS is exactly what the 2020’s need!