Cookbook Content Creation
A well-scripted and tested recipe for a chef is comparable to a home contractor's comprehensive blueprint and material takeoff. The blueprint illustrates what the finished home will look like, much like a picture of a beautifully styled dish. The takeoff lists and identifies the specific size and type of building materials required to build the home equivalent to the ingredient list with precise measurements.
An experienced general contractor understands how to construct a home. For instance, they need utilities to run to the lot, excavate and level the site; add footers; pour the foundation; frame the walls; add trusses and close-in walls, and roof and complete the home for the new homeowners.
A well-seasoned chef intricately knows their ingredients and spices and the cooking techniques. However, they can probably prepare the dish wearing a blindfold. They commence cooking once they have their Mise En Place. Equivalent to a contractor, missing automatic steps in the instructions create a recipe for failure. Even an essential ingredient sprinkled in to adjust the seasoning isn’t listed within the ingredients.
An executive chef creates a detailed recipe for consistency and replication by sous chefs and line cooks when they are not onsite. Now, this may sound like a no-brainer. However, trust me, if you frequent your favorite restaurant, you'd notice that the creamy dill sauce drizzled over the salmon didn't bring the bright level of flavor you so enjoy. Or maybe it is the chocolate lava cake that the plating falls a little flat while all the ingredients are there.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Suppose you are a chef, restaurant owner, food blogger, or simply the keeper of family recipe cards. In that case, it is essential to understand the content creation and systematic processes and procedures to pass on foolproof recipes. Missing measurements, incomplete directions, and overlooked processes are the fundamentals that take a wow dish down to a mediocre meal.
The magic of good copy is not just getting the recipe correct.
So first, let's take a look at a cookbook.
A concise overview on the cover emphasizes the style and vision which communicates your story to peak the interest of a potential purchaser.
Next, the introduction offers personal insight into the chef, their history, and their WHY for writing the cookbook. It's often written like a personal invite into their life, but more importantly, to sit down at their table and break bread.
Most cookbooks then offer tips, tricks, and techniques to ensure the cook who chooses the book will know a few unique bonuses for success. This section is an opportunity to highlight the uniqueness of the chef's concept.
Lastly, a good cookbook offers a summation or narrative of the specific recipe. Typically, these are a few sentences to entice you to spend the time to create the meal. I look at the photograph, quickly scan the ingredients, and then read the synopsis. Why? We all eat with our eyes first. If the ingredients are uncommon or lengthy, it can be a hard sell. Effectively selling the dish is accomplished through storytelling and weaving history and tradition, so no matter the ingredients, you are drooling over the mouthwatering meal and excited to break out your own Mise En Place.
As a content developer, food stylist, and photographer, we would love to work with you on your current or upcoming projects. Our tried-and-true processes and procedures allow us to stay on the project timeline, ensuring we meet all deadlines while crafting beautiful photographs. Your unique and fantastic recipes become something anyone can follow, regardless of their culinary experience, to share with family, friends, or even customers.
Let's grab a cup of coffee and start mixing up something good!
You present your vision and storytelling outline and I'll bring the camera and pencil!!