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. 😂
You are trying to be super human and have come pretty darn close. Thank you for your amazing recipes. I have not tried one that was not wonderful and full of the details necessary to make the creation a success. Take care of your self and Dozer and we can have fun trying some of the recipes we haven’t tried yet. Really looking forward to your cookbook. You are amazing!!
Thank you! N x
I must say Nagi, that iI have never come across a service like that you supply us on the web; It is so well laid out, detailed, down to earth; That even a old man like me can follow, and produce some excellent results . Good luck on your book; look forward to your return; but would prefer you healthy and financially rewarded, then we will see more new recipes. We have plenty to carry on with !! Thank you once again from us all in the UK.
Keep cooking, Gerald! N x
Hi Nagi, taking time out does not make you a failure, in fact it makes you a better person to admit it, after all you are human. We will still be here eagerly waiting your cook book and new recipes. Good luck and take care of yourself and Dozer
NAGI,
I love your blog and you are AMAZING!!! Don’t forget to take naps it helps a lot. You do so much for us and I can’t wait to own one of many of your cookbooks, (I’m sure you will be working on others) You go GIRL💞
Best wishes from Boston, Massachusetts USA 🇺🇸
Oh WOW! Your Human??? You have a great product, it’s evident, look how fast your blog has grown. You can’t let Dozer do all the work on his own! Rest, breathe, recharge and reignite the passion. ,,,,,, then let’s party and let us buy THE Cook Book. I love your recipes 😍
100 percent human!! Thanks, N x
You are the farthest thing from a failure. Superhuman is more like it! Love your recipes. Your attention to detail is amazing and appreciated. Thank you for all you do and above all else please take good care of yourself and Dozer. We will take advantage of ‘the pause’ to catch up and try some of the recipes you’ve already posted and look forward to the cookbook and your return when you are ready.
Of course you need your beauty sleep but above all we need your cookbook so take as much time as you like only don’t forget to post a few “Dozer” updates. Good luck with the book.
So excited for the cookbook – it’s going to be my “go to” present for the foodies in my life. Stepping back and focusing is never a bad thing and you should know you have the support of the entire community you created with your blog. We will be here when you return!
Hi Nagi I’ve been cooking your recipes for a while now and taking time out is allowed.😊We will all still be here when you come back.Stay safe xx🍷
You help us all so much with your recipes. We are happy to see you take some time and work on your cookbook. I’m sure we’ve been too busy ourselves to try a recipe or 2of yours that we really want to. Now’s the chance. Best of luck as you write and cook!
Nagi, self care does NOT make you a failure!! If you are not able to function on all cylinders, we will not reap the benefits of your love of sharing wonderful recipes (yes, a bit selfish of me). Rest and do what you must to be well. xoxo
Take all the time you need. We’ll be here, not going anywhere. Never think you are a failure, look what you have accomplished, you’re amazing! Huge hugs to you and Dozer 💕from Massachusetts, USA.
Dearest Nagi! You work soooo hard! Give yourself a break, you deserve a break from some things. Take care, your’e the best!!! Gracie says Hi! to Dozer w/hugs and kisses!!!
Hi Gracie! And thank you! N x
I am sure your cookbook will be amazing like all your recipes. Take your time , rest because if you don’t you will make mistakes . It is easier done on a clear head
Hi Nagi, how do I go about ordering your cookbook! I would like to buy one for my sister for Christmas and one for myself.
Regards,
P.S. take the time you need. 😀
We love you! I’ll gladly use this time to explore the many wonderful recipes of yours that I haven’t tried yet!
Take ALL the time you need and take care of YOU. XO
Love to you and Dozer!! Take as much time as you need. You’re fabulous and well worth the wait 🙂!
You just take your time, we are behind your success with your cookbook and recipes. Good luck and God Bless
Looking forward to seeing more recipes when YOU are ready
, and can’t wait for cookbook! Have shared my favs with stepson as he is still working from home with a toddler and he and his wife have loved everything he made, no surprise! 4 paws to Dozer from our pup, Kota!!
Hi Kota from Dozer! And thank you…N x
Omg, I love your honesty and although we will all miss you during this time, please go focus on the cookbook. We can’t wait to put our hands on that!