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.
Awhile back you did a piece on your shopping list and what items to buy. That was a world of help to someone who knows nothing about say Chinese wines. Maybe a small section on those items would be very nice. You also have a knack for telling us why it’s important, please don’t stop that. As long as it’s similar to your internet recipes it will be fabulous! Make it you and we will all be happy, because it’s you we follow. ❤️
Thanks for that photo of your cookbooks. I love reading them. I have so many, got lopez-Alt’s last year for xmas. It’s a lot, but I’ve learned so much from him. Good luck with your cookbook, it willbe a smash hit, I’m sure.
I like the red probably cuz I’m part Chinese LOL but I think that you have a pretty face and you should be on the cover
Nagi, I love to see how you love to cook. Your passion is something everyone should have around their work and their life. The world would be a better place! Can hardly wait for your book. Love your emails and your recipes and hearing about your life with Dozer.
I have really enjoyed your recipes, thank you for sharing them. faves- Butter Chicken and no-knead bread…
I would love to see tricks in creating lower-calorie versions…in my dreams
I am on the list for your cookbook!!! I jokingly mentioned that I either wanted a signed copy, or for certain, a “paw” print signed copy by Dozer!! Mention that to your publisher! Cheers!
That first photo alone…cookbook sold! Looks so good.
I think Dozer should have some space on your cover.. After all he is a part of the food family and probably has a lot to say about your ability:>) Best of luck to you.
I think Dozer should have some space on your cover.. After all he is a part of the food family and probably has a lot to say about your ability:>)
Hi Nagi! I love your post and look forward to getting them. I’ve made quite a few of your recipes and they’re all wonderful. Dozer is a hoot! Will your cookbook be available in Canada?
Love the behind the scenes! It’s my favorite part, always. And fun to read why your fails didn’t make the cut 🙂 Excited for your cookbook -I hope you’ll go international (I’m in the Netherlands)?
What about a spiral bound cookbook?. They are so easy to use when following a recipe. Also, more Asian recipes please. And of course, you and Dozer on the cover.
Wow..4 timers! I’m impressed. I use one and occasionally 2, but 4. Wow! Love your recipes & appreciate all the work and organization that goes into this project. Finally, I love Dozer. As others have said, he makes my day. I had a cat that loved celery. Not to eat mind you, no…to roll on. So if I was cooking she’d tip over the trash so the celery bits were on the floor & proceed to roll on the leaves. It was like catnip to her. Thank you for all your work, Nagi.
I always look forward to your posts as some of the best things I receive via email! I understand some people like hard copy books. I want to recommend you also offer an e-book only version for those of us who prefer the easy search-ability and portability of our tablets. Personally, I save your recipes to Evernote.
I know you don’t have time to read books let alone this comment but I’ve just finished reading “My Life in France” by Julia Child. Her creation of “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” seemed like an all-consuming experience and she had Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle as co-authors. After reading the story; Nagi, you have my utmost admiration. I look forward to using your cookbook.
Awesome work in progress, Nagi (and Dozer).. looking forward to seeing it all completed.
Have no suggestions because my family and i like whatever you put out here for us to enjoy the cooking. 🙂
I can’t wait to see Dozer’s favorites dishes!! I love all of your recipes and am very glad you are writing a cook book!
Love, love, love recipe tin eats!!
It’s my go-to for recipes.
Hi, Nagi!
Love your recipes! They are so easy to make with ingredients I usually have in my pantry.
Now, the reason I decided to write you. A thought struck me. There are so many recipes, new and old, that are/would be great additions to your new cookbook. Instead of including fan faves from existing website faves….Why not do two (Yes, I said 2!) cookbooks. One with your new recipes, then one you could (as a suggestion) no ame something like…
Recipes from Nagi,
Fan Faves.
So excited for you!! Please include some easy and delicious salads and side dishes too! Good luck and being a huge dog lover I love seeing that you always include Dozer! Thanks for all your delicious recipes!
Good luck for the book !! Really looking forward to it.