Hello everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be pressing pause on new recipes for the next two to three weeks so I can devote some uninterrupted time on the cookbook.
It takes a lot for me to concede defeat and accept that I can’t do it all – run a business*, renovate a home, work on a cookbook and maintain my existing recipe posting schedule. Lockdown certainly didn’t help matters to increase my workload – though on a cheerier note, as of Monday of this week, the lockdown rules have been substantially relaxed here in Sydney. 🙌🏻
I found myself getting up earlier and earlier (currently 4.30am 😩), going to bed later and later. And while I always declare that I operate best under pressure, the reality is I’m only human and darn it, I need my beauty sleep!!!
* Yes, I finally realised this year that I have a real business! This “it’s just a food blog” somehow grew into a proper business over the past year with a team of 9, including RecipeTin Meals, the recently established philanthropic division where we use recipes from the website to make homemade meals for the vulnerable community here in Sydney.
Another fail! Well, it was ok…but not good enough for the cookbook! 
Planning mode. No, this is not a cookbook for vegans…
I’m in a particularly intensive planning stage of the cookbook right now and am struggling to split my focus between new recipes for the website and the cookbook. To be honest, it was the cookbook that was suffering – because I would never hit publish on a recipe I didn’t give my all.
So on Sunday night, I made the call for the first time ever since I started the website – to temporarily press pause on new recipe content for this website.
It somehow feels like failure – this is my job after all – and like I’m letting my team down. We worked so hard to create a stash of new recipes to get ahead, test and retest them, make videos and photos. There’s weeks’ of digital media for ridiculously delicious new recipes ready to go, just waiting for me to write up.
The problem? It takes anywhere between 4 to 8 hours to write the posts, depending on the complexity of the recipes. As an example, last weeks’ Flan Patissier? That took me a good 8 hours to write the post, edit the photos, do the step photos, describe the ingredients and write the recipe. And many multiple times that in recipe development and testing time!
Yes, a lot goes on behind the scenes to produce the recipe content that gets published on this website. And I love everything about what I do, and I look forward to getting back to it!
The Flan Patissier recipe that took around 8 hours to write up. 
I think this final version was the 23rd Flan Patissier I made in the last 4 months!
But for now, the cookbook. I’m going to give myself 3 weeks to make a big dent in the cookbook, then I’ll be back with new recipes!
In the meantime, you may see some old favourites coming back to the homepage over the next few weeks with new videos or photos that I’ve had ready to go.
And, well, you know me. I probably won’t be able to resist popping back into your inbox to let you know how I’m getting on, and a peek behind the scenes of the making of the cookbook!
Until then, stay well! I’ll be back with brand new recipes before you know it.
Love – Nagi & Dozer 🐶 x
REMINDER: Mock cover! Mock cover! 😇
Life of Dozer
New discovery during cookbook recipe development – how to make Dozer eat carrots!!! Puree them with a hint of spicing, top with a braised baby carrot, drizzle with organic olive oil and finish with an edible flower. 😂
Hi Nagi,
Thank you so much for sharing
You’re the best Nagi, and we’ll be here when you’re back ❤️ so excited for all your new ventures but you definitely need to take care of yourself!
Hi Nagi, greetings from Boston, MA! I’m so glad to see your business is growing. I’ve been following your recipes for a few years now and you are 100% my go to. You make meals feel approachable even the ones that are tricky to make and each time they are so delicious. Keep doing what you’re doing. I’m hoping to see you on Food Network one day! I will absolutely be buying your cookbook when it comes out. Cheers to you girl! Wishing you all the success in the world.
Big hugs from the US of A,
Haley
Never apologize for taking care of yourself. You are cranking out delicious meals for us “wish we were chefs” and we’re getting amazing results! You go girl and take what you need. We will be whining wishing we could help! You are a “CHEF” and we love you! Dozer is loved.
Thank you! N x
We think we can do it all. We try juggling everything at once and then we find out we are human after all. Even though we are superwomen, we need our beauty sleep and some ‘me time’ or we don’t function right.
SOOOO true! N x
No such thing as failure. You are doing wonderful work and learning things as you go. I so appreciate you.
I appreciate you too…I really do! N x
Nagi, this is not a failure! Your site is the first place I go for the best version of any recipe you post. I can’t imagine the time and effort that takes! My family gets so excited when I tell them that I’m using one of your recipes, because we know it will be amazing. Take the time you need and know that your fans will be here for you.
Much love from America ❤️
Hello Nagi,
My sister-in-law introduced me to your website, and I am so glad she did. You are amazing and entertaining, your recipes are delicious with wonderful photos, and I love reading about Dozer! Taking a pause is understandable and allowing your readers to try previous recipes is a win-win for all.
I especially enjoyed reading about the RecipeTin Meals program. That provides a lift to my spirit! Thank you for your team’s compassion toward those who need that extra help from day to day.
Best wishes on the creation of your cookbook. You are a joy!
Thanks for all your wonderful recipes Nagi. We have more than enough recipes on this site along with some still to try. Look after yourself and take plenty of me and Dozer time!
Hello Nagi,
You are amazing. You are my favourite chef and you always make me laugh. Best of luck with everything.
Thanks! N x
It’s perfectly understandable….looking forward to the cookbook….I discovered your blog march 2020 and it really helped me through lockdown..thanks so much Nagi ….🥰
Hi Nagi,
I love your work!
Yours is the only food blog I consistently come back to.
Sounds like pressing pause is very sensible. You’re ‘only yooman’ 😊
And the cookbook sounds very exciting. Thanks for all your work.
P.S your recipe for rissoles is amazing 🥰💕
The best things in life takes time, love and a lot of sleepless nights!
Can’t wait for the cookbook when it hits the shelves! Wishing you the very best of luck, may the kitchen gods smile kindly on the recipe goddess that you are! Love you Nagi 💕💕💕
Thanks! N x
Hi Nagi, Thank you so much for all your recipes, I look forward to making them . I can’t wait to get my hands on your Cookbook and hope I can get it here in Ireland .
Thanks! N x
Hey Nagi, your site is amazing. I’ve made so many dishes and shared with loads of friends. We’ll be fine for a while, we’ve loads to work away with here. Do what you have to do and you’ll be back when you’re back and better than ever no doubt. Sending support from the other side of the world x
Just opened up the website to see your post. I’m sure that I’m not alone in saying that you have made the right call for this season. All the best. We appreciate your work and your recipes. Thankyou Nagi.
I believe that it will take most of us quite some time to catch up with the variety of recipes that you have given us already. That time is now yours to get back to a healthier work living style. I am sure you will find us all there waiting for your return with a smile to have accomplished what you want to do.
By all means we understand that the preparation of a cook book is what eventually is a landmark for any chef and it is a landmark indeed. We all will be waiting for it.
Thanks! N x
Aw Nagi, putting your health first can never be seen as failure; but as strength. Take care, these are crazy times – and as many have already said..,we have more than enough recipes to keep us going!!
Thanks! N x
Yay, so excited about the cookbook, we will be buying it for sure! Enjoy the time off from the blog, have fun!
Nagi we love your dedication and attention to detail however it shouldn’t be at the expense of your health. Take the time out to balance your life and work on your cookbook. Your dedicated followers will completely understand. It’s great to re-visit old favourites anyway. Xxx
Thank you! N x