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.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Hi Jaden,
I'd love to have the opportunity to test some of your new cookbook recipes! It sounds like fun, especially if you really are only one degree away from David Beckham. Be still my soccer hooligan beating heart.
Best,
Erin
March 30th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Jaden, I'd love to be one of your recipe testers. Last November/December, I did some recipe testing for Lorna Sass and she liked my feedback.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
One degree from Beckham, eh? Very hot, lol.
I'm game to test recipes.. can I have ones without red meat?
(oh, and I have Authentic Recipes from Morocco and it's yummy)
March 30th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Ooh, me! I love your blog, and I am a total foodie! Any excuse to try something new.
March 30th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I would love to help out!
March 30th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
OH! ME! PICK ME! MEMEMEMEMeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Uh....sounds fun?
March 30th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Yes, I'd love to help with testing!
March 30th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
i know you'll receive scores of helpful hands, but add me to the mix too! would love to be a recipe tester (together with the culinary professional that is the hubby). also, because my middle name is "anal" (in a good way) i'd love to volunteer as the meta-organizer-bitch. because you know, you need to be a bitch in order to be this organized
March 30th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Ooooh! Id love to be a tester for you!! I'm currently a tester for Leite's Culinaria so I have some experience.. plus I love making food porn.. my photo styling skills aren't that great but I do practice.. I have a new lens on the way too for better close up's! Plus I have an inner Vietnamese woman thats just dying to come out!
March 30th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Id love to help with any testing you may require. The only problem is I am a vegetarian and thus cannot make meat recipes. Nevertheless, I would love to help out in any way possible!
March 30th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I've been a silent observer of your blog for awhile now and would love to be a tester! Photography is also hobby of mine so I will make sure to take super pics!
March 30th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
i love trying new recipes! put my name in the hat too!
March 30th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I'd love to test any pork-free recipes for you. I enjoyed taking one of your classes at the Rolling Pin and want to indulge in more of your delicious porn.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Hi Jaden,
I'd be delighted to be a recipe tester for you, I love your stuff!! I'll try any recipes at all, and will eat it all too!!
Thanks for a great site, definitely my comedy stop-off from lots of blogs!
March 30th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
I am willing to test your foolproof recipes. If there is a loophole I will find it! I am a good tester for cake, bread and non- cilantro recipes. Am I being too picky?
March 30th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
VERY interested in tasting..and testing...your new recipes.
My Japanese husband is game to be a taster, son too.
What quality photos? I'm just a disposable camera, develop at WalGreens on CD kinda gal.
Mary
March 30th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I'll be glad to test .. let me kow.. I'mon it.. my hubby would love soem new stuff,a nd I'm good at following recipes and taking photos...
March 30th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I'll be glad to test .. let me know.. I'm on it.. my hubby would love some new stuff,a nd I'm good at following recipes and taking photos...
March 30th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Hey good luck with the book. I can imagine how much hard work its going to be. Your pictures and recipes are always fantastic , so i'm sure your book will do pretty well.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
I would absolutely love to help you test out recipes!
March 30th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I'll be happy to test out any of your super delish vegetarian, fish or dessert recipes. Can't promise that my photos will look nearly as great as yours!
March 30th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Ummm... Yeah. Problem here.
I'm a lazy, lazy, lazy man. In fact, it would be much easier for me to fly down to your place and maybe crash in a tent in the back yard while you take care of all the heavy lifting of cooking and feeding me. I'm even willing to pretend I cooked, and I'll write sterling reviews if you let me use your shower (or just hose me off) once a week or so.
And, if you're lucky, you might even be able to find yourself one-degree away from Johnny Depp since he's in town filming a movie.
March 30th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Hi Jaden, I would like to try out your recipes as well
Gay
March 30th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I'm a highly amateur cook, but I have made Crock Pot recipes and annotated the recipes with my comments in my blog. I'm allergic to shellfish and have problems with large amounts of shredded ginger (which might or might not have anything to do with the cigarette butt I found in my food once that a waiter tried to pass off as ginger), but I'm game for anything else!
March 30th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
More than willing to take a crack at some recipes.
As for my special dietary requirements:
- I eat meats, dairy, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- I prefer tasty food.
- I'll eat not-so-tasty food.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
I would be interested in helping you out.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
I'm organized! The sane part I can't be sure LOL! I sent you an email. I'm interested but need to know a bit more of what that would involve.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Ooooh!!!!! Me Me Me! I wanna help. I am able to seek ingredients within an hour of me, which includes stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, H Mart, Publix and Kroger's. I have a picky kid, so I can be the kid friendly recipe tester!
March 30th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
We'd love to be a recipe tester as long as the recipes are vegetarian!
March 30th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I've been a lurker for a while and love your blog! Would love to test a few recipes and try my hand at the food photos in my tiny NYC kitchen.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Count me in!
I promise to read the recipes really carefully, too. Unlike my most recent attempt to make your steamed spareribs, which swerved off-course as soon as I hit the word "ribs." (The whole sordid story is here.)
But you still get credit for the inspiration.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Count me in! Your recipes haven't failed me yet! The wife & I are always looking for new things to try, and we're brutally honest!
March 30th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
count me in!
We eat Asian food almost 4 times a week. Plenty of opportunity to do recipe testings.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Would love to test for you.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I'm not available for testing but good luck with the book. Just wanted to tell you I made one of your prawns recipe over Easter and it was excellent.
March 30th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
I'd love to do some testing and photographing. Do I get to pick any recipes, or do you randomly select (bwahahahaha!)
March 30th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I too would love to help out with testing if you still need more =)
March 30th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I don't think I could be much help (unless you need some simple database and or spreadsheet work done but I wish you all the luck in the world and definately put me down for a signed, first edition of your book!
SpecialEd
March 30th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Jaden, I'd love to help test recipes! Don't know how many you need, but count me in if you need me.
March 30th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I would love to help with the recipe testing!!!
March 30th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I would love to help out and test. Count me in. Also...am I jumping into the deep end??? I'd be willing to put my organizational skills to the test and help with the testers and feedback fun.
Scott
March 30th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
So I guess you have to be in Florida to be a tester...?
We'll be there in a few months, though!
I'm your tester in my wildest dreams ;P
March 30th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
easy? did you say easy?? and simple?? well, if its eeeaaaasy and simple, surely I should be able to do it, right?? right???
March 30th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Hi Jaden...great blog that combines your infectious passion for food, healthy sense of humor plus a photographer's eye, and always makes me smile. And now the cookbook!! I've got a funky little bakery/cafe just up the road in Bradenton's Village of the Arts, and would be happy to test some recipes. I've done it before for Peter Reinhart, Betsy Oppenneer and Linda Stradley's books. Of course, our ingredient selection isn't quite as exotic as Sarasota's but we're heads and shoulders above West Virginia.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
"I flip through a cookbook and if it doesn't have photos, I put it back." - Me too! =D Not just I'm a visual person, but I think with photos we can learn a little about composition and food styling. So, improve my amateur skills. Well, I try it!
I would love to be you recipe tester, but I'm 'outsider' visitor (Brazil, actually). Is it a problem? =/
March 30th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Hi, Jaden. I'd love to be a tester, too. I've been getting into food blogging lately, and have been doing digital photography since 2000. Check out my blog for samples.
KimL
March 30th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
I'd love to be a tester too. I tested a zillion recipes for our San Diego Junior League cookbook and it was quite fun!
March 30th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Jaden, I'd be honored to help test your recipes. I'll help test any type of food. I've been a fan of your blog for a long time. And, I find myself with some free time right now!
March 30th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
I'm up for testing, too. I often work late, so quick and tasty is definitely a high priority! I've tested for Leite's Culinaria a few times and had a lot of fun with that. No dietary restrictions here.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Oh wow, a cookbook! How terribly exciting!
If you're not overwhelmed with volunteers already, I'd love to try out your recipes!
March 30th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
I'm interested in all of the above
Of course, it would get a mention in my site (that I've sorely neglected since tax season hit me in the head).
March 30th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
I'd love to be a tester. I'm an experienced cook, and I don't have any ingredient phobias, but I do have access to some picky eaters.
March 30th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
I would love to try out any recipes! Let me know I have a hungry fiance!
March 30th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Oh, it would be so damn cool! Please consider me - I'm an enthusiastic amateur with a picky eater husband, a space challenged kitchen, and a decent set of basic equipment (pots, knives, etc.).
March 30th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
If you are still looking for recipe testers, I'd love to help you out by testing some recipes from your cookbook!
March 30th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
I know I'm late to the party, but I would love to help! Please. : )
I am a good cook and will try anything, so I would make any dishes you send (the ones in your blog are all are so yummy)! I would love to try any recipes that may have a Korean and/or Chinese slant. My kitchen assistant/ace photographer/adorable 10-year old son wants to learn more about his daddy's family's culture, and it's up to me (his WASP mom) to teach him.
Thank you!
March 30th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I'd also love to help with some recipe testing. What kind of information do you need from me for me to be considered?
Thanks!
Melissa McKelvey
March 30th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Jaden,
I sent you a email as well. I would love to test and help out.
March 30th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
I'll do it! I'd love to help you!
March 30th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Well, you've definitely got lots of volunteers. I'd love to be a tester. It would give me a great excuse to commandeer the kitchen from my 4 roommates. And it would totally justify my desire to photograph food, since my friends and roommates try to squash that urge. As a bored college student, I'd be really good at the time and labor intensive stuff like dumpling making. And my very random background in southern, Japanese and Vietnamese cooking would be good for a different viewpoint.
Thanks for the chance!
March 30th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Hi Jaden!
I would love to test some recipes!!! I am Asian (family is from Taiwan but I am American born) and I live in Delaware where there is very slim pickings for good Asian food of any kind. So I have to rely on my mom and myself if I want to eat well. Your cookbook sounds like my kind of thing, so if you still have room for one more tester, I'd be happy to help.
March 30th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
I knew I should have visited your site earlier! If you are looking for volunteers still I would love to help out. I have some excellent glass to photograph the cooking/presentation process and I love to cook...
March 30th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Me too, me too! And I promise to name MY next Chia Pet after YOU! I'm your typical home cook, so am probably part of your target audience.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
You know I'd do anything for you! Sign me up!
March 30th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I'd gladly do it.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
wow - naming your chia pet after someone special...now that's a big thing...
March 30th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Oh man I'm so in! Growing up in Hawaii, I was raised on Asian food, and my husband will try anything once. I'd love to test your recipes.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Of course you can count me in as a food tester! Congrats on your book and good luck! I'm with you-sur la table is dangerous! And I wouldn't buy a cookbook without lots of photos-I'm totally visaul like that, so i can't wait for your cookbook to come out (and to get my autographed copy!)
xo rebecca
March 30th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
You certainly have no lack of testers willing to help out...of course, I'd like to add my name to the hat! I love trying new recipies and would be happy to take pretty pictures to show off how much better at plating you are
Please pick me... Pretty please with a cherry on top?
March 31st, 2008 at 12:01 am
Hey gorgeous, you already have so many offers for testers - but here's one more. I'd like to check your recipes out and the photographs.
March 31st, 2008 at 12:12 am
I'd like to test any pork-inclusive recipe. PICK ME. PICK ME!!
March 31st, 2008 at 12:20 am
I don't know about recipe testing, but i would gladly score a couple of goals in your honor!
March 31st, 2008 at 12:20 am
Hi Jaden,
I'd love to help out too! If you need room for one more, please count me in! I love your recipes and understand how important honest feedback is so would be happy to provide it!
March 31st, 2008 at 12:24 am
Would love to help out, as I'm a fan of your site. I spent a lot of time in Asia, cooking is a top hobby, and I even wrote the foreword for a top selling French cook book in Singapore. So I'm the right combo of a wanna-be with decent skills and even better equipment. Plus lots of travel and actual professional chef friends ensure I'm more than humble about following others leads. It would be both fun and a honor to help out.
March 31st, 2008 at 12:44 am
(* to sing out loud:)
I'm bringing Pastry Back (..yeah)
Will be the casing of a tasty pie (..ah aah)
I'll give you some of my reci- pie (..ah aah)
(Take it to the fridge...!)
I'm bringing Pastry Back (..yeah)
The muther-flour is watching my back (..ah aah)
I'll save you some if you let me bake (..ah ahh)
(Take it to the fridge...!)
Steaaaamy kiiitchen
I'll test you recipe if you let me baaake
I will prove you i'm so just a flaake..
You can spank me if i misbehave...
March 31st, 2008 at 1:04 am
Wow, Jaden, can you feel the love?
March 31st, 2008 at 1:30 am
I'd be happy to be a tester. I eat pretty much everything except mangoes, to which I am very unfortunately allergic. I also have had a few problems finding some of the ingredients featured in recipes on your site in my area of Texas--still no Szechuan Peppercorns, for example (I might have to order some online). I'm also much better at cooking than at baking; this is partially because the house I owned when I started cooking had a decent range but the oldest, touchiest, and most hot-spot ridden oven ever. If those criteria work for you, they certainly work for me!
March 31st, 2008 at 1:45 am
I'd love to be a recipe tester/photographer for you, Jaden. I adore cooking, and there have been several times that I've been cooking and just had a terrible urge to run to the other room to grab my camera to take pictures.
March 31st, 2008 at 2:09 am
Oh my........I know it's hard to squeeze into your list but please count me in. Would very much like to help in contributing to your first COOKBOOK!
March 31st, 2008 at 2:12 am
Hi Jaden - I'm excited your cookbook will have a lot of pictures - I think that's really key and it's inspiring to whoever flips through it! Can't wait to see it.
I would offer to be a tester but I'm not sure I can find all the ingredients here, so I would rather help you organize the testers if you need help!
March 31st, 2008 at 2:27 am
Hi I would love to test out the recipes, provide honest feedback and submit a photo ... I just lurrrve taking food piccies (though I am a novice at it) so this will be fun!
wait, this isn't an early April Fool's Day joke right? jk ;D
March 31st, 2008 at 2:42 am
Room for one more? I would love to test some recipes and take pics. I am definitely a "hobby" cook. My day job and my family keep me very busy, so the kitchen is actually where I relax, if you can believe it. Even if you have enough testers already, I love the blog and all your recipes. Keep up the great work.
March 31st, 2008 at 4:42 am
I don't mind helping!
March 31st, 2008 at 4:46 am
Are you looking for Australian testers to see if your book can go international? We love our cookbooks to have lots of pics, and are spoilt for choice. I also ALWAYS have trouble getting my food to look anything like the picture, so you can be assured that the photos will be interesting. If the answer is yes to Australia, then please count me in!
March 31st, 2008 at 5:15 am
(lol @ the justin timberlake comment, I just heard that on the radio haha)
I'd love to help you test too. xoxo
March 31st, 2008 at 6:39 am
I would be honored to test your recipes!
March 31st, 2008 at 6:46 am
I like cooking and I would love to try out your recipes if you want some opinions on whether they are feasible in France!
March 31st, 2008 at 7:16 am
I would love to test out some of your wonderful recipes. I love cooking and baking so it should be fun!!!
March 31st, 2008 at 7:30 am
I'm not above backside kissing to get a chance to help!
Anyway, I've been dealing with gestational diabetes for the last two months (with one to go) and I'm craving new things to try. My husband would weep with joy to try any of the recipes you offer up. I want carbs!
March 31st, 2008 at 7:44 am
Jaden i had hoped to be a tester but three weeks ago went into a full set of orthodontic braces and have eaten nothing that can't be blended into mush....trust me this is not for vanity and i totally blame my parents!
March 31st, 2008 at 7:47 am
Tracey I had both my kids while also being gestationally diabetic with both..if u want any info i can give u lots...gestational diabetics are considered high risk here in montreal and the care given is exceptional
March 31st, 2008 at 8:28 am
Hi Jaden,
Great idea! There are way too many cookbooks in my shelf with recipes that have obviously NOT been tested beforehand.
So, if you by any chance need *another* tester after this vast number of volunteers before me, just snap your fingers
(Will eat anything except innards, consider myself fairly advanced in both cooking and baking, have not taken photos of anything that did not come out of my kitchen lately...)
Anja
March 31st, 2008 at 8:32 am
Those pulled pork sandwiches look really good. Great photo! I agree, good photos make a good cookbook. I wuld really enjoy testing some of your recipes.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:56 am
Wow Jaden, you're one lucky gal, seeing that people (including me) fall over each other to help you out. How are you going to pick the winners? What a tough choice! Good luck with that. I'm sure your cookbook will be splendid.
March 31st, 2008 at 10:11 am
It's wonderfull Jaden.
i'm preparing my first cookbook, too, what a coincidence!!!!!
kisses
March 31st, 2008 at 10:23 am
Ask, and you shall recieve! You know I'll help you in any way I can girlie, just give me a shout anytime!!
March 31st, 2008 at 10:27 am
You can count me in too for testing!
March 31st, 2008 at 10:42 am
Ooh, being of Chinese origin, I'm always on the lookout for modern Asian recipes to try. Would love to help out!
March 31st, 2008 at 11:08 am
Yes, i would be happy to be a tester. But more importantly, please, please, please post the recipe for those fabulous looking Pork Sliders!
March 31st, 2008 at 11:14 am
Count me in, just got a canon rebel too, gosh so many freaking things too learn, not enough time?
Cookbook, not even close yet, (mine that is!)
March 31st, 2008 at 11:23 am
oh ... 100 is already given away
if you are looking for an across the ocean (one of them at least) tester count me in, would love to
March 31st, 2008 at 11:28 am
I would love to test your recipes. And I absolutely agree with your mindset about pictures in books. They really add to the appeal.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:30 am
I noticed you had a few Canadian volunteers, an Aussie volunteer, even a French volunteer... but have you had any British volunteers? I live in the Midlands of the UK, and some Asian ingredients can be hard to come by, but I've managed to track stuff down. I'd be thrilled to test some recipes for you, I'm always trying something new in the kitchen. Did I mention that photography is my favourite hobby and hopefully my career someday? Good luck choosing between all hundred and one of us (and more to come, I'm sure)!
March 31st, 2008 at 11:32 am
Wow, more people got in while I was typing... 103 and rising...
March 31st, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Hey Jaden.. I'd be down to test recipes for you
March 31st, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Jaden, In addition to testing recipes, I would like to assist with the testers, feedback,etc. Can this be done if I live in a diffrent state than yours?So Im game for all!
March 31st, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Hi Jaden. This is for me!!!
I'm foodie, I love cooking, I love taking a pictures of food.
I guarantee you I can help you!!!
March 31st, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I would love to be a tester for you. This would be a dream come true for me. I helped edit and taste for an Italian cookbook many years ago and it was a blast! My passion right now is studying and cooking Asian food. Please consider me.
March 31st, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I'm probably late-on in the volunteer department, but I'd love to test out some recipes. I do enough of my own OCD-style recipe testing on my coworkers (as well as being one of the obsessed weirdos who do testing for Cook's Illustrated). And if the recipes look as amazing as something as simple as those sliders...I need to do this.
Thanks!
-John J. O'Sullivan™ (alias LOLDAD)
Parents magazine
March 31st, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Well, over 100 people later - but if you still need someone, I'm here!!
March 31st, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I'd be happy to do a test on your recipes! Count me in amongst the hundreds of others beating a weathered path to your door.
Does ass-kissing help my chances here?
March 31st, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Dear J
I hope the volunteers list isn't closed yet, please let me join the testers! I'm a faithful reader, and admit I'd tried only a bunch of recipes so far, but promise to give detail, honest, photograpged feedback.
Thanks for the inspiring ideas, the funny stories and the delightful photos!
Ayelet
March 31st, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Hey Jaden...Souvlaki Woman here. I am an avid reviewer on travel, restaurants, and recipes--call it my snobby hobby. I work from home, so I have plenty-o-time to dabble in the kitchen and whip up some Steamy Dreamys. Love to cook, love to write, love to grocery shop for specialty items, and love to take pictures...that is a lot of steamy love going on there. And...the drum roll...I have a picture of me and Anthony Bourdain (ahhhhhh,). Now, wouldn't that make me a one degree of separation for you and the Tone-ster?!?! Seriously, my life is almost fulfilled now. = )
March 31st, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I would love to test some recipes! Everything from your site I've made has been a big hit with the fam... especially my little man (ok, the big one too!).
New recipes = good.
March 31st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!!!!!
I would dearly, dearly, love to test your recipes.
Or anything else.
March 31st, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Count me in! I would like to try one of your adapted "korean" recipes if I can so that I can give an unbiased feedback
March 31st, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I love your website and I would love to be a recipe tester. I am currently a volunteer tester for Cook's Illustrated. I also am a graduate of the Part Time Professional Program from L'Academie de Cuisine and once owned a catering business. I have been exploring Asian cuisine for years and know every Asian supplier in the Philadelphia area. I make a mean dtom yam gung (my husband calls it "liquid heroin") and bun bo Hue. Thank you for your consideration.
March 31st, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I would LOVE to be a tester for your recipes. ^^
March 31st, 2008 at 6:04 pm
I'd love to test a recipe or two...or twenty. I'm thinking about a cookbook myself and I do my own pictures. Just started photographing food, been photographing people for years!
I understand the stress you are under. And the fun you are having. Congrads on the book!
March 31st, 2008 at 7:34 pm
WooHoo! I would love to test out some of your recipes!
March 31st, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Jaden!
Can I can I can I PLEASE? I've already made so many of your lovely lovely recipes and would love nothing more than to have an excuse to make more!
Ooo, ooo, pick me! =)
March 31st, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Wow, your blog is so interactive
I can't wait to get my hands on your cookbook...I LOVE lots of pictures in my cookbooks too!
March 31st, 2008 at 9:15 pm
How is it that I check your site everyday and yet I'm still #122 in line to say, "yes, please! May I test some recipes?" Probably because everyone else checks at work while I have to wait until the kids have locked themselves in the bathroom in order to get some peace.
Would love to test some recipes (have used several on your site already). Totally agree with you on the pictures in cookbooks - I need visual stimulation to get motivated. I'm happy to send pictures of the completed dishes back. So fun!
Congrats on the whole cookbook thing!
March 31st, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Darn! Am I too late to sign up for recipe testing? I was on a plane all day today and did not have time to check blogs. those pulled pork sliders look utterly delectable!
March 31st, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Would love to help test your recipes - I've been wanting to explore cooking Asian food at home, and this would be the perfect way to do it. Count me in if you still need testers.
March 31st, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I'd love to test your recipes! We actually made the chinese steamed fish recipe from your blog last night (for the second time). It's going to be a regular when we find whole fish. http://www.flickr.com/photos/friedapplepie/2379208374/
March 31st, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I'm down to test recipes. I am also up for testing recipes. Funnily enough, I'd like you to count me in, too. Also interested in helping organize.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:14 pm
I'd love to test out some of your recipes...we've loved all the ones we've tried in the past! I'm with you on being a visual person...photo packed cookbooks grab me too.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:24 am
I'd love to test recipes!
April 1st, 2008 at 1:04 am
I would also love to be a tester, but I'm not a foodie, not an expert, and not Asian, though I did work in a Cantonese restaurant for a while in another life... So more of a newbie perspective? I have a picky 10 year old, and a not so picky 35 year old here to be guinea pigs.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:27 am
It seems as if you have a plethora of people wanting to test your recipes. How will you decided? I'd like to throw my hat in the ring and volunteer for the job. My qualifications- I can boil an egg and toast bread to perfection, I try every recipe twice just to make sure that I did it right the first time, my totally biased friends say I make killer Guacamole and Spanish Rice and finally I will be honest in my assessment of your recipes and have the best of intentions to help you put out only the best possible recipe.
In any case, I'm looking forward to seeing what your recipes will be.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:08 am
I would very much like to test some of your recipes. My boyfriend grew up in Malaysia and I want to learn some simple Asian recipes to remind him of home. The Vietnamese Pulled Pork Sliders look divine and if that is any indication of what the rest of your cookbooks are like then I am going to have to order one to try. Please check my website for sample photographs of recipes I have tried.
Thanks so much for your consideration!
April 1st, 2008 at 6:45 am
I would love to add myself here if you still need testers.
I'm with you on the photos in a recipe book, I have to have that drool factor!
April 1st, 2008 at 8:36 am
After being such a fan of your blog for so long I would be honoured to be one of your recipe testers. There's nothing I enjoy more than getting down to the nitty gritty of a recipe and discussing the details of it. I'm so excited for you about your book, it's fantastic and I totally agree about the photos, I need the food porn otherwise I get bored!
April 1st, 2008 at 8:50 am
I whole-heartedly agree--every recipe must have a photo!!! I'm so getting your cookbook when it arrives.
Looks like you're not lacking volunteers here, but add me to the list. <3
April 1st, 2008 at 9:17 am
I would love to help recipe test! I love trying new recipes and my dh is a great photographer. Also, if you want to run the gamut of kid testers I have a 5 year old who is a total foodie and an 20-month-old who only eats carbs.
I've been doing some unprompted testing anyway with the no-knead bread recipes on your site trying to work out if they could be frozen, par-cooked and frozen or were best used fresh out of the bowl.
Pick me! Pick me!
April 1st, 2008 at 9:28 am
Dang... I'd love to test a few of the recipes, but looks like 136 people beat me to the punch. If you need another person, I'm willing to help. =D
Best of luck with the cookbook!
April 1st, 2008 at 9:44 am
Jaden,
Love to test you recipes. Sound absolutely divine. Have some dinner friends who I can try recipes out on. Thanks for the opportunity.
April 1st, 2008 at 10:02 am
Hey! Your blog is great! I really enjoy all of your pictures. I recently started my own blog: http://iheardyoubakecakes.blogspot.com Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
April 1st, 2008 at 11:25 am
Hi Jaden,
I would love to help! Testing new recipes. Maybe, in the process, I could provide suggestions since the headings are fast and simple. If it works for fuss free person like me, I think it rocks!
cheers
April 1st, 2008 at 11:28 am
Hi Jaden,
count me in! :). I'm living in Germany but still would love to try your recipes.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:43 am
Well I see I am a bit late to the game but I am a big time foodie (is there a better word for that PLEASE) and have no food aversions, none! I have already tested a few of your recipes so far so good! I am also very organized, some may say "anal"and would be up for that as well. What ever you need, truth be told I just want my name anywhere in a cookbook!
April 1st, 2008 at 11:43 am
If you haven't reached your quota of recipe testers, sign me up! I'm constantly photographing what I've made for dinner, so taking photos of the finished recipes aren't a problem.
More importantly I have a horde of constantly hungry friends and family that I cook for...so your creations would be gobbled up and receive lots of feedback
April 1st, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Hi Jaden,
I love your blog and have already used some of your recipes with great results, I would love to help you test some of your recipes, I am currently attending Culinary School part time in CA. I would love to test out any of your Indian recipes as that is my passion.
Let me know.Suzie
April 1st, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I should say Indian or Asian recipes.. thanks suzie
April 1st, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Hi Jaden,
I would love to be one of your recipe testers! I'm a proper amateur cook so if I can do them they'll meet the test...!
Thanks
Jeff
April 1st, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I'd lovelovelove to test your recipes! I'm totally sold on the Beckham connection
April 1st, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Because you don't have enough volunteers already. . . I would also love to test recipes for you. : ) The only credential I have to offer are a love of cooking and a willingness to spend days at a time in the kitchen.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I'd love the chance to be a recipe tester! I'm good at following directions, too.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Hi Jaden,
I would be honoured to test some of your recipes!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I'll do - and blog about it too
April 1st, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I would looove to test them. And our family of three will cook and eat anything!!
April 1st, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Hi we would love to test out your recipes. Is it to late? We can be the twenty something test couple who aren't very good at cooking but try anyway. You need one of those right?
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:38 am
Oh oh.. pick me!
I'm indian, but grew up in Thailand, with parents who grew up in Burma.. my love for asian food covers the full spectrum. I'd love to try out some recipes. And my mom (the family foodie) doesn't know it yet, but I'm signing her up to help me. Between the 2 of us, we've probably got any ingredient you throw at us already in our kitchens since our cooking covers all the various countries we're from and have lived in.
Oh... and I can take awesome pics now that I bought a Lowel Ego light - based on your recommendation! Thanks for that recommendation BTW. The quality and colour accuracy on my photographs has improved many times over which is making my life so much easier.
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:25 am
I'll do it I'll do it,
I'll be a perfect person to try out your recipes,
Why?
Because I'm not THAT good at cooking,
So if your cook book is aiming for fast, fresh, and simple,
It'll be perfect!
And after following your recipe and recreate the dishes,
You can totally tell if the recipes are really "simple" to make!
Me me me!
By the way,
I don't know if it'll be helpful enough,
But I don't mind putting all the feedbacks and pictures into a....excel? powerpoint? word? file!
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:21 am
Jaden,
Since I can't cook, I would love to help you organize the book. I'm super organized!!
Michelle
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:06 am
I would be very interested in testing recipes for you. I entertain a lot both in the United States and Australia and would be glad to test some of the recipes on my guests in both countries and get their feed back as well.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:28 am
The pulled pork looks like jelly fish burgers!
I'm keen in testing the recipes but I wonder if I am up to it :O
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:49 am
me too me too... my gosh!!! looks like i came here bit too late
see u have so many testers already 
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:23 am
I'd love to be a tester, if you mean I cook it in my own kitchen... cause it'd be hard to fly to the US from Australia and try squish into a kitchen with all the above people
It would be crazy but hella fun!! A cookoff! WOOT!
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:24 am
I'd love to be a tester. My husband and I cook a variety of things and entertain on a regular basis. We could test them out with a small group and get some varying opinions.
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 am
If you're still looking for recipe testers, I'd love to be included! I cook every night but am running out of good recipes!
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:37 am
Hey Jaden, I'm more than happy to participate if you are still looking!! Let me know! =)
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Hey Jaden, I'm extremely interested in testing your recipes especially since it's modern Asian. Let me know if you are still looking.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Sorry for adding a second comment. I am interested in knowing more about what's involved in helping you organize and manage the testing. Do let me know.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Cooking is my passion and I would love to be a tester. Jo Snell, Aurora, Colorado
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Wow ! You've got plenty of help of some well qualified people here to test your recipes!
Well, if you have any left over recipes that need any further testing, just send them our way.
April 3rd, 2008 at 12:59 am
Hi Jaden,
I am very interested in being a tester for your cookbook. I am very passionate about food and cooking. So much so that I worked a full-time job and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles because I wanted to test my skills and abilities. I'm in my 40's so quitting my job and working in a kitchen is not realistic but I'm confident that doing this would be a perfect thing for both of us. I could put my skills to use and you could use the results. Sound good?
April 3rd, 2008 at 1:01 am
Sure, sounds like fun.
April 3rd, 2008 at 10:11 am
Me! Me! Please, pick me! (Total novice on Asian cooking, but have had good luck w/ your recipes so far)
April 3rd, 2008 at 12:29 pm
i'd love to be part of this and hopefully i'd be successful at it!
April 3rd, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Oh! I'd love to help you out! Please!?
I love all forms of Asian food and we cook it here all the time (in the middle of Iowa, it's the only way to get it!!!)
April 3rd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Whoa... Get bogged down in work for a few days and you miss all kinds of stuff! If you need 251, I'd really, really love to help. Looking forward to the cookbook!
April 3rd, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Hi, do you still need one more tester? I'd love to help.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:26 am
Does it matter that I've hugged Mario Batali? He came into my old restaurant a few years (and pounds) before he was Mr. TV guy...but I'll never forget our "connection"....okay, that connection thing may be an overstatement, but the hug felt real, ya know?
If you still need any testers, let me know. If not, I'm very stoked anyway for your continued success. Way to kick-ass girl!