There comes a moment in every cookbook when the recipes stop belonging only to the writer and begin living in other people’s kitchens.
That moment is called recipe testing, and it’s one of the most important parts of creating a cookbook.
Before a book ever reaches a shelf, before the photographs are taken and the pages are bound, every recipe has to be cooked exactly as written in real kitchens by real people. It’s the step that turns a good idea into a recipe someone can trust.
As I finish the manuscript for my upcoming soup cookbook, I’m inviting a group of home cooks to help test recipes before the book goes to print.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be part of creating a cookbook, this is your chance to step into the kitchen with me.
All recipe testing must be completed by March 31, and most volunteers will be asked to prepare one or two recipes.
The most important part of testing is simple:
The recipe needs to be made exactly as written the first time.
I know how tempting it can be to add a little extra garlic, swap an ingredient, or adjust something based on what you have on hand. I do the same thing in my own kitchen all the time. But for this stage of the process, the recipe needs to be followed precisely so we can see how it performs for someone making it for the very first time.
Once volunteers are selected, you’ll receive your assigned recipe along with a short feedback form. After cooking the recipe, you’ll be asked to share notes about things like:
• how easy the recipe was to follow
• whether the timing felt accurate
• how the finished dish tasted and looked
• whether you would make it again
Photos of the finished dish are also incredibly helpful if you’re able to include them.
Before assigning recipes, I’m asking everyone interested in testing to complete a short volunteer form so I can learn about dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences. Recipes will be assigned at random, but I will do my best to match testers with dishes that work for their kitchens whenever possible.
If you’d like to help bring this cookbook to life, you can volunteer here:
Click here to sign up as a recipe tester
Cookbooks are never created alone. A book may carry one name on the cover, but it’s built in many kitchens, with many spoons in the pot and many people willing to try something new.
If you’ve ever made one of my recipes, you’ve already been part of this journey. Testing these soups simply means stepping a little closer to the stove with me while the book finds its final shape.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone willing to pull up a chair and help.
With love,
Xandy
