2 weeks went by afterI pressed paused…. then 3 …. and a month later, here I am.
Finally coming up for air to pop in and sayhello, Ive missed you!
Ive missed being here, writing to you!
Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Fish – not good enough!
What have I been doing for this past month, while I putposting new recipes hold?
Just one thing:
Working onthe cookbook!
The Cookbook Vortex
This cookbook writing business is all-consuming.
At least, it is for me.
I am living and breathing it, 24-7.
Its all I want to do!
I just want to cook, write, research, experiment, brainstorm.
Were calling it The Cookbook Vortex.
Ive been involved in large projects in my former corporate life.
But nothing has ever pulled me in like this.
Its a strange feeling!
In a wonderful way.
But also, a scary way.
Plus sides and all sorts of bonus extras.
Again, just me being greedy.
Oh, and putting up sticky notes likethisalso helps keep me from fretting!
Your messages keep my spirits up!
My instant response ISHOULDaim high.
Because unlike this website, a cookbook is not free.
If people are paying good money for it, Ishouldwork harder on it!
I am working too hard.
The days are too long.
I am working most weekends.
Because I want to!
I cant tell you the number of times Ive done that!
Sometimes, it is just the boost I need for a reset.
And of course, the suggestions and requests!
Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Fish – not good enough!
We actually collated the feedback into usable data to help guide what recipes will be in the cookbook!
(Its the accountant in me, I just couldnt resist).
So thank you, again, for taking the time to leave those messages.
One Pot Chicken and Risotto – not good enough!
While it may have seemed small to you, it has made a big difference to me!
Sneak peek behind the scenes!
Unsurprisingly, lots and lots (and lots) of tasty food!
Many of which have been made multiple times.
Do the maths… thats a A LOT of cooking!!!
Plenty of successes, but also quite a few fails!
Well, not fails.
I struggled to replicate the results.
Too risky!Ditched.
One Pot Chicken and Risotto An attempt at a dump and bake no stir risotto.
No good unevenly cooked risotto under the chicken.
Think it needs to start on the stove, likethis recipe.
And as you might imagine, with lots of cooking comes lots of dirty dishes.
So many dishes!!!
So some of the photos will be done by a professional food photographer and food stylist.
RecipeTin Meals, going strong!
And, in other news, an update onRecipeTin Meals(RTM)!
This is my philanthropic arm where we make homemade meals to provide to the vulnerable in Sydney.
I started it during the most recent COVID Lockdowns in Sydney in August 2021.
Weve spent the last few months ironing out day-to-day operational issues and things are smooth sailing these days.
Meal output has increased to at least 150 per day PLUS desserts most days!
That 2 people can produce so much in one day constantly amazes me.
I get a kick out of seeing my recipes cooked at huge scale!!
(PS I share the RTM weekly meal plan onInstagram Storieseach week.
We are still yet to receive our official charitable entity status that will allow me to legally receive donations.
I wanted to establish a baseline that I knew I could support by myself.
So, bear with me!
I will pop in every now and then to let you know how Im getting on.
But actually, its a complete fabrication……. Theres been a lot of happy dancing around these parts!
I WILL get back to sharing new recipes in early 2022 once my cookbook manuscript is submitted.
100% promise, pinky swear!
Very, very good food at that!!
Life outside of the kitchen also remains pretty good for Life of Dozer.
Hard to imagine, looking at these photos which were taken on the weekend!
(I have total faith in my builders.
It WILL happen!)
The vet has advised that hes carrying a little COVID pudge that needs to be budged.
You still look great, just a little curvier!
