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!
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.
Chris says
Will it be out for Christmas? OMG it is nearly Christmas 😫 and another year Covid chaos! Please make our lives simpler by having your book ready to buy! No pressure 😬
Nagi says
Not this Christmas unfortunately!! The lead time for books is VERY long! 🙂 Next Christmas. And to get it out for Christmas 2022, I have to deliver the manuscript by the end of January!!! Such a long lead time! N x
Jo says
I can’t wait to purchase this book! By far, most of the meals our family eat are Nagi recipes you’ve given us for free for years. Congrats on the cookbook Nagi. It will no doubt be a huge success
Kheng says
I love your website! It’s my go to every time I’m looking for inspiration. I’m a home cook with picky young children to feed and a household to run. Therefore I especially love your one pot and easy recipes with lots of suggestions for substitutes, with an end product that always turns out great!
Kristee Humphrey says
I am so excited about the cookbook! Your blog has been my go-to since the beginning of the pandemic and I have passed the site along to so many friends. And now a cookbook! As long as I can buy it in the US I will be happy. Thanks for your awsomeness, Nagi. Oh, and also, thanks for including that rockstar, Dozer…
Jacobus Nel says
I estimate that 90% of the food I prepare, is from your website. There are three extraordinary things about your recipes: you tell me (a home-cook) exactly what to do (especially the amount of minutes to whisk or fry), you simplify time-consuming methods – and you give alternatives (for different countries). This book will change the lives of ordinary people who likes to experiment with good food.
Julie Gere says
Thank you for taking us along on the cookbook journey, Nagi! It is fun to see the progress and exciting to anticipate the finished product.
Nagi says
Thanks! N x
Leslie Pace says
I have been reading your recipes on Facebook and love all that I have seen. Dozer is the best!!!
I actually print some of your recipes so I can cook them right away.
I’m looking forward to your book.
Nagi says
Thanks! N x
Mark says
I am super happy you are making a cookbook. I print the recipe that I am making (rather than use my laptop). So that I don’t waste paper, I have a binder filled with your recipes. Honestly, its not very organized. I give your website to everyone, but it seems your book wont be ready for Christmas this year. I agree with the other commenters, the adventures of Dozer should be included in some way. Good luck!!
Nagi says
Thanks! N x
Lisa says
There’s your cover pic – Dozer! He is your official taste tester and we love him! Besides who could resist a cook book with Dozer on the cover. 🙂
Nagi says
I would buy it!! N x
Alex says
We love everything we’ve made from your website- from stir fry to curry to shepherds pie. If it’s from you we just always know it will be good. Thank you so much Nagi for all your recipes you share, I can’t tell you how many have become favourites in our house. Can we pre-order the cookbook? Would love to support. And will it ship internationally? (Canada)
Joann Brown says
I love your recipes and tell everyone they are from my Aussie friend. So happy to have found your website. As far as the cook book, bring it on. I want several. We have a golden also, Randal and equally curious and loves cherry tomatoes from the garden.
Nagi says
Yea! N x
bernice chesley says
When will your cookbook be available?
bernice chesley says
I love your recipes and your stories. Looking forward to new recipes too. When will your book come out?
Angela Annan says
I can’t wait for this!!! I love your recipes. Done LOTS of them! This post made my day! One very excited lady here!!!
Claire says
Why don’t you have your own cooking show? You are the go to for any recipe. My daughter (14) even cooked from one of them. Looking forward t the cook book, so happy you!
Joan says
I am going to buy this! And one for my daughter!
Melanie Cross says
Yes! I love that you will include some of our favourites. 160! Wow, when you announced you were writing a cookbook I told my family and that I’m going to challenge myself by attempting them all. I’m very excited .I’m not much of a cook and normally hated that question ‘what’s for dinner?’ each night but your page has developed a love of cooking for me and I’m so excited to be able to purchase your book. Happy writing!
Agill says
Keep up the excellent work! It will all pay off! I look forward to buying multiple copies of your book.
Lindsey Gowans says
Hi Nagi
I’m keen to buy your cookbook for my sisters & myself 😁 When will it be available? & what is the cost?
The three of us are BIG fans! Many thanks x
Richard Azzalin says
Great to see you publishing. Will this replace my print offs, which are kept in A4 plastic envelopes and binder?
Maddi Webb says
Hi Nagi .I’m on a keto diet .I’d love some low carb ,low sugar easy weekday recipe ideas for lunch and dinner .thanks Maddi