Calling for Cookbook Recipe Testers!
Vietnamese Pulled Pork Sliders (one of the recipes in my cookbook)
The Steamy Kitchen cookbook is well under way. I’ve been working hard refining my photography skills, such as food styling, composition, lighting and learning how to use my camera beyond just the “automatic” settings. You guys want to hear more about my cookbook?
Periplus/Tuttle is my publisher, they’re responsible for at least 35% of my annual cookbook budget, meaning I already own A LOT of their cookbooks:
And then these are on my wishlist:
***
Interested in recipe testing?
So anyways, I’m looking for a few recipe testers to help out with….um….recipe testing. The cookbook will be “Modern Asian: fast, fresh and simple enough for tonight’s supper” (yup! just like what my blog header says! It includes 100 recipes + 160 color photographs in a beautiful hardcover book. Nearly every single recipe will include one of my luscious photos! Because I have so many photos, the book won’t be released until next year.
Why so many photos? I don’t know about you, but when I flip through a cookbook and if it doesn’t have photos, I put it back. I’m a very visual person and my brain just naturally gravitates towards eye candy. Which is why I must be blindfolded whenever entering a Sur La Table store. My mind just goes bezerk with sensory overload!
Here’s what recipe testing involves:
- Testing 3 recipes and providing honest feedback on specifics of the recipe and final dish
- Submitting a photo of the dish - so that we can all see if it looks even remotely like my version that I had concocted in my kitchen
- I’m also looking for one organized, sane individual to help manage all the testers and testing feedback
What do you get? Hmmm….how about your name in bright lights in my book? A big hug? An invite to a big massive launch party with lots of famous people and champagne? Ok, still working on the famous people bit, but I AM one degree from Justin Timberlake, one degree from David Beckham and just discovered last week that I’m one degree from Mario Batali!!! My one degree is heading to NY to visit cousin Mario and get this…she’s promised me that she would give him a big, wet kiss on the cheek for me.
WOOHOO! It’s only a matter of time!
Seriously, your help would be most appreciated and yes, your name will be in the book! As for the organized, sane individual who would like to manage the testing, you will be showered with lavish gifts, my next Chia Pet will be named after you and who knows what awesome opportunities will arise from being the First Mate of a new cookbook?
If you’re interested in recipe testing, comment below or just email me at jaden@steamykitchen.com. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!
edit: holy fish sauce! over 250 testers. LOVE IT. The more, the merrier. Let’s make this a fun cookbook testing group. You guys rock. To answer some of your questions:
1) no, your photos will not be published in the book. It’s for our group reference only.
2) yes, your name will REALLY be in the book!
3) you’ll test 3 diff recipes, each one time.
4) no, I haven’ t personally grabbed Beckham’s ass yet. But I WILL one day….and I will have photos for you when that day comes.
5) no word from Mario, whether or not the kiss on the cheek got him to come to my site. When he comes, you’ll be the first to know.
Dang….that sounded sorta kinky.
One more hand up for recipe testers. I have been testing recipes for other cookbooks so would love to be part of this exciting project!
Julia, missjulesb@gmail.com.
Sorry, I’ve come to “wanna be a tester” a little late, but I’d love to join the crowd.
Also, if you haven’t found that sane person, I’ll volunteer (as long as we can do it via internet).
I’m seasoned (meaing 50+) with lots of corporate/organizational experience. Plus, I love, love, love your cooking style, philosophy, photos and recipes.
My husband is a die-hard asian food fan and if you are still needing testers
for your recipes I can do all that have meat and veg…prefer the meat as does my husband. Live in Los Angeles so ingredients should be easy to find.
Thanks, Jaden.
get this - L.A. girl tries Asian cooking in France…ingredient challenged Lorraine region of France…up for the challange? hmm?
Are you still wanting testers? I’d love to help out
Yeah go on, put me down…I actually do cooking classes and also test my own recipes on my unsuspecting clients. I am only too happy to spread the testing!! Sounds really fun, and you get to see if the Australians can figure out American recipe directions!!
I’m up for testing!! If it’s not too late I’d like to give it a go! I’ve tried your Pho recipe previously and that worked a treat… Would love to make more stuff like that!
Hi Jaden
I love cooking and my husband enjoys eating good food. We eat a lot of Asian food as its fast, healthy and tasty. I would love to test your recipes and give you my honest opinion. Should you decide to choose me please email me.
Regards
Andrea
Would love to help in any way I can! I have used at least 15 of your recipes already anyway, three more won’t hurt!!
Hello Jaden,
Awesome website ! I would love to be one of your recipe testers, if you’ll have me.
I love cooking and eating good food, having a say on it would even be better.
I wait for your reply with bathed breath…pleeeaaasssee choose me!
Best,
Ruth
Hi Jaden,
I may be too late but I would love to be a recipe taster. I have been cooking for years but have recently gotten into Asian cuisine. I love it and would be excited to try the recipes and share my experience. Most recently, I have been working on making tofu and had my 1st successful batch. It seemed so easy but it took a lot of experimentation and perseverance. I have made your recipe for Pho and loved it.
After living in many places in the world I try to find authentic cuisine of a region. Sometimes the ingredients are a challenge but I have had some success. Your recipes have all turned out well and in some cases great. As a novice I continue to pursue the flavors and creativity of some great cooks such as yourself.
I wish you success with your cookbook and whether you chose me or not I am a fan.
Sincerely,
George Ann Over
Do you still need testers? I have done some recipe testing and really enjoy it. Please let me know and I will be glad to get started. Thank you!
Fabulous Idea - This article is several months old, but I am one of those “Foodie” people and would LOVE the opportunity to test out your recipes!! Exciting!
I’ve just discovered your blog and am really happy for it. I love asian-inspired cuisine, and your recipes are just mouth-watering, and the photos are terrific. I will come over your blog often from now and will certainly not resist to buy your forthcoming book! I hope it will be available through amazon!
Hi, I am interested in becoming a recipe tester. I cook, develop my own recipes and am a freelance food and travel writer. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Johanna
Hi Jaden,
I’m an ‘older’ culinary student here is Kentucky(originaly from New York City). If you still need another recipe tester I would love to help.
Thank you, Marie
Hey Marie- we’re all done with recipe testing - but thank you for your kind offer! ~j
Is your book finished? Still need help?
If you still need help testing I’m here. I’m a glorified culinary fanatic with a lot of hungry and willing food tasters.