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.
Whew…what a task! Your book will be amazing..good luck with it all!
Great idea to have input from others on their favorite recipes! Hoping it’s you that’s actually writing the blog…. although it’s amazing you have the time!
Nagi, your hard work, talent, and attention to detail is evident in each and every recipe and it’s inspiring to see your process and what it takes to arrive at great.
Best of luck with the cookbook Nagi.
A few fish dishes
I love all your recipes as each recipes i can see now with this blog has been carefully selected so its a full proof recipe cant wait for the cookbook to be out!!! Yours will be the only recipe book I would buy
Love your recipes. You taught my husband how to cook while I was unwell. Now he’s a Nagi fan.
Hi Nagi
Took over cooking from my wife 6 years ago. Have expanded my abilities over time but find your recipes the BEST by far. Love cooking your meals.
Thank you for making cooking so much easier and such a pleasure.
I made your beef stock & used it in a simple French style Beef Cheek recipe: it was the best!!!
I love your recipes.
Hi Nagi. Will I be able to get your new cookbook to Ireland?
Your cookbook will be very exciting. I love your recipes. Thank you for doing this for your fansx
I LOVE the cover Nagi so excited for you to release this amazing book!
Remember to have fun! Can’t wait to see the finished book…on my shelf!
I have been hanging out for this cookbook for a good few years now. I cant wait! Hope its got Dozer pics in too!
So excited for your cookbook Nagi. I use your recipes all the time and pass on your website to friends. So glad I found you and Dozer, all the best with your new venture, exciting stuff ahead 🙂
Good luck with the book Nagi, cant wait for it to come out, love everything about your recipes, and the best thing is your videos showing how to do things, cheers
you are the best. so creative and always upbeat. (how do you a=manage that?) Wish you lots of success in this endeavor.
I like the cover !
I really want to be able to get your cookbook. I hope it will be available internationally – a or I will cry and that is not a pretty sight. Fingers crossed
I love your recipes and sure hope your book will be available to Canada.
Spaghetti marinara, tomato base rather than creamy base