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Don Tillman’s Standardized Meal System: Recipes and Tips from the Star of the Rosie Novels
‘So, you cook this same meal every Tuesday, right?’
‘Correct.’ I listed the eight major advantages of the Standardised Meal System.
1. No need to accumulate recipe books.
2. Standard shopping list—hence very efficient shopping.
3. Almost zero waste—nothing in the refrigerator or pantry unless required for one of the recipes.
4. Diet planned and nutritionally balanced in advance.
5. No time wasted wondering what to cook.
6. No mistakes, no unpleasant surprises.
7. Excellent food, superior to most restaurants at a much lower price (see point 3).
8. Minimal cognitive load required.
‘Cognitive load?’
‘The cooking procedures are in my cerebellum—virtually no conscious effort is required.’
‘Like riding a bike.’
‘Correct.’
‘Correct.’ I listed the eight major advantages of the Standardised Meal System.
1. No need to accumulate recipe books.
2. Standard shopping list—hence very efficient shopping.
3. Almost zero waste—nothing in the refrigerator or pantry unless required for one of the recipes.
4. Diet planned and nutritionally balanced in advance.
5. No time wasted wondering what to cook.
6. No mistakes, no unpleasant surprises.
7. Excellent food, superior to most restaurants at a much lower price (see point 3).
8. Minimal cognitive load required.
‘Cognitive load?’
‘The cooking procedures are in my cerebellum—virtually no conscious effort is required.’
‘Like riding a bike.’
‘Correct.’
Here at last, by popular demand, is the weekly system of food preparation that Professor Don Tillman, star of the Rosie trilogy, lives by—everything from his signature lobster salad to the world’s best risotto, across the four seasons. This essential guide also includes handy tips about losing weight, mixing cocktails and stress-free entertaining.
Don Tillman’s Standardized Meal System will not only show you how to make delicious it will open your mind a different way of shopping, cooking and living. The Don Tillman way.
168 pages, ebook
First published December 3, 2019
About the author
Graeme Simsion
31 books5,806 followersGraeme Simsion is a former IT consultant and the author of two nonfiction books on database design who decided, at the age of fifty, to turn his hand to fiction. His first novel, The Rosie Project, was published in 2013 and translation rights have been sold in forty languages. Movie rights have been optioned to Sony Pictures. The sequels, The Rosie Effect, and The Rosie Result, were also bestsellers, with total sales of the series in excess of five million.
Graeme's third novel was The Best of Adam Sharp, a story of a love affair re-kindled - and its consequences. Movie rights have been optioned by Vocab Films / New Sparta Films with Toni Collette attached to direct.
Creative Differences was originally created as an 'Audible Original' audiobook, but is now in print with a collection of short stories from across Graeme's career.
Two Steps Forward is a story of renewal set on the Camino de Santiago, written with his wife, Anne Buist, whose own books include Medea's Curse, Dangerous to Know and This I would Kill for, The Long Shadow and Locked Ward. Movie rights were optioned by Fox Searchlight. A sequel, Two Steps Onward, was published in 2021.
Graeme is a frequent presenter of seminars on writing. The Novel Project is his practical, step by step approach to writing a novel or memoir.
Graeme's third novel was The Best of Adam Sharp, a story of a love affair re-kindled - and its consequences. Movie rights have been optioned by Vocab Films / New Sparta Films with Toni Collette attached to direct.
Creative Differences was originally created as an 'Audible Original' audiobook, but is now in print with a collection of short stories from across Graeme's career.
Two Steps Forward is a story of renewal set on the Camino de Santiago, written with his wife, Anne Buist, whose own books include Medea's Curse, Dangerous to Know and This I would Kill for, The Long Shadow and Locked Ward. Movie rights were optioned by Fox Searchlight. A sequel, Two Steps Onward, was published in 2021.
Graeme is a frequent presenter of seminars on writing. The Novel Project is his practical, step by step approach to writing a novel or memoir.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 23, 2019
I'm the author... and I'd be the first to say: read the other books (The Rosie Project, The Rosie Effect, The Rosie Result) first - and then if you'd like more of Don Tillman, read this. It's not a novel - it's a recipe / cocktail book, but with quite a bit of commentary from Don on life in general and as applied to cooking, eating and drinking. It's a look at a mind which works a bit differently applying itself to a domain familiar to most people. I hope neurotypical readers will be not only amused but at least sometimes left thinking 'you know, that actually makes more sense than the conventional way of doing it...
The recipes aren't bad (well, I like them) but I'm a home cook, not a chef. If you were buying only for the recipes, I'd steer you to Jamie Oliver...
And of course I gave it five stars. I wouldn't have pushed the metaphorical print button until I felt that way about it.
The recipes aren't bad (well, I like them) but I'm a home cook, not a chef. If you were buying only for the recipes, I'd steer you to Jamie Oliver...
And of course I gave it five stars. I wouldn't have pushed the metaphorical print button until I felt that way about it.
December 15, 2019
“The guacamole component should not be made in advance, as it is likely to be discovered and eaten. This will unbalance the main meal and encourage margarita consumption, which is technically not permitted on a Thursday.”
Don Tillman’s Standardised Meal System is a guide book from the protagonist in Graeme Simsion’s Rosie novels. Which reader of The Rosie Project can forget the scene where Don explains to Rosie how his meal system works? It apparently struck a chord with many readers, who wanted more detail. And here it is!
As expected, the format is logical, beginning with an explanation of the rationale for using the system, listing, even-handedly, both its many advantages and also, until it was revised, the (now non-existent) disadvantages. The Principles and Rules are clearly stated, and these make good sense. The General Advice section is also useful.
Menu Plans and Recipes follow. A basic Breakfast plan precedes four sections with weekly menus for each season. Within each section, the Recipes list ingredients under two headings: Common Resources; and Recipe-Specific Ingredients; thus simplifying shopping. He also includes a downloadable User-modifiable shopping lists and equipment lists to assist with this chore.
Ever organised, Professor Tillman provides little reminders of things that need to be prepared in advance, on the day they need to be done. And the recipes? Delicious-sounding and none too complicated, with variations on the basic recipes suggested. Don gives advice on (and rationale for) healthy food and alcohol consumption, although his cocktail suggestions for the Autumn Tuesday menu are likely to invite numerous experiments.
But lest the reader think the content is dry and dull, it should be stated that careful reading often reveals hilarious gems, stated in typical Don Tillman fashion thus: “Almost everyone has the ingredients for an omelet, but many lack a non-stick pan – more specifically, a non-stick pan which has not lost its non-stick properties through use of an unsuitable spatula or cleaning regimen. If your host has a damaged non-stick pan, I recommend disposing of it – surreptitiously, because experience suggests they will react negatively to advice on the importance of proper maintenance.”
Another amusing pearl: “Strip leaves from sweet corn, hold on its end on a chopping board, and use knife to “shave off” the kernels. Retrieve stray kernels from bench and floor, and put in bin or with other kernels, depending on your attitude to hygiene and waste.” Similarly: “Put broccoli in baking dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Grate 3 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, add to dish, and toss using hands if nobody watching, spoons otherwise.”
Don also suggests meal-related topics for discussion over dinner, and shares his conversations with the food vendors he regularly encounters. In fact, Don wisely (given his nature) delegates the need for spontaneity in his menus to these food experts. This wealth of useful information is contained within a sturdy little hardback book with an attractive cover designed by W.H.Chong.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by NetGalley and Text Publishing.
Don Tillman’s Standardised Meal System is a guide book from the protagonist in Graeme Simsion’s Rosie novels. Which reader of The Rosie Project can forget the scene where Don explains to Rosie how his meal system works? It apparently struck a chord with many readers, who wanted more detail. And here it is!
As expected, the format is logical, beginning with an explanation of the rationale for using the system, listing, even-handedly, both its many advantages and also, until it was revised, the (now non-existent) disadvantages. The Principles and Rules are clearly stated, and these make good sense. The General Advice section is also useful.
Menu Plans and Recipes follow. A basic Breakfast plan precedes four sections with weekly menus for each season. Within each section, the Recipes list ingredients under two headings: Common Resources; and Recipe-Specific Ingredients; thus simplifying shopping. He also includes a downloadable User-modifiable shopping lists and equipment lists to assist with this chore.
Ever organised, Professor Tillman provides little reminders of things that need to be prepared in advance, on the day they need to be done. And the recipes? Delicious-sounding and none too complicated, with variations on the basic recipes suggested. Don gives advice on (and rationale for) healthy food and alcohol consumption, although his cocktail suggestions for the Autumn Tuesday menu are likely to invite numerous experiments.
But lest the reader think the content is dry and dull, it should be stated that careful reading often reveals hilarious gems, stated in typical Don Tillman fashion thus: “Almost everyone has the ingredients for an omelet, but many lack a non-stick pan – more specifically, a non-stick pan which has not lost its non-stick properties through use of an unsuitable spatula or cleaning regimen. If your host has a damaged non-stick pan, I recommend disposing of it – surreptitiously, because experience suggests they will react negatively to advice on the importance of proper maintenance.”
Another amusing pearl: “Strip leaves from sweet corn, hold on its end on a chopping board, and use knife to “shave off” the kernels. Retrieve stray kernels from bench and floor, and put in bin or with other kernels, depending on your attitude to hygiene and waste.” Similarly: “Put broccoli in baking dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Grate 3 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, add to dish, and toss using hands if nobody watching, spoons otherwise.”
Don also suggests meal-related topics for discussion over dinner, and shares his conversations with the food vendors he regularly encounters. In fact, Don wisely (given his nature) delegates the need for spontaneity in his menus to these food experts. This wealth of useful information is contained within a sturdy little hardback book with an attractive cover designed by W.H.Chong.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by NetGalley and Text Publishing.
January 6, 2020
Don Tillman’s Standardized Meal System is a cookbook/cocktail guide narrated by fictional character Professor Don Tillman from Graeme Simsion’s Rosie trilogy. This book contains a whole years worth of meal plans complete with entree, dessert and drinks. It was an entertaining read. I received my hardback copy from Text Publishing.
December 9, 2019
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through NetGalley
I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this when I saw it, because I loved The Rosie Project (although I haven't read any of the others and this book does spoil the story a little bit, as it goes after them and snippets of previous events are mentioned.)
This is an interesting format of a book, cause it's mostly a cookbook, but it still definitely carries the vibe of the Don Tillman stories and his commentary. It even has a lot of tiny stories sprinkled throughout the recipes! Things are quite logically explained and the recipes are interesting. I won't be able to comment much on the recipes themselves since I'm not much of a cook, but they did seem interesting, very detailed and diverse in styles and cuisines, and they also come adjusted for the four seasons. And they certainly made me hungry.
The only problem for me personally was that a lot of the recipes are for the grill, so if you live in a city apartment, you won't be able to try them (but that's probably less of a problem in the US as it is where I live). But other than that, this is a really cool book with loads of ideas, even on treating guests (even wine types are recommended!) and using leftovers in a smart and economical way. And of course, if you love the character, you'll simply enjoy another glimpse at the life of his family as well.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this when I saw it, because I loved The Rosie Project (although I haven't read any of the others and this book does spoil the story a little bit, as it goes after them and snippets of previous events are mentioned.)
This is an interesting format of a book, cause it's mostly a cookbook, but it still definitely carries the vibe of the Don Tillman stories and his commentary. It even has a lot of tiny stories sprinkled throughout the recipes! Things are quite logically explained and the recipes are interesting. I won't be able to comment much on the recipes themselves since I'm not much of a cook, but they did seem interesting, very detailed and diverse in styles and cuisines, and they also come adjusted for the four seasons. And they certainly made me hungry.
The only problem for me personally was that a lot of the recipes are for the grill, so if you live in a city apartment, you won't be able to try them (but that's probably less of a problem in the US as it is where I live). But other than that, this is a really cool book with loads of ideas, even on treating guests (even wine types are recommended!) and using leftovers in a smart and economical way. And of course, if you love the character, you'll simply enjoy another glimpse at the life of his family as well.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
November 22, 2019
This book is exactly what it says it is: Recipes and Tips from Don Tillman, the protagonist of the Rosie Novels. His voice sounds true through this book, and I am sure everyone will find a recipe to their liking.
The only thing missing in my opinion is pictures of the recipes! ^_^
The only thing missing in my opinion is pictures of the recipes! ^_^
November 28, 2019
Don Tillman’s Standardized Meal System is sheer genius. It’s not often I can read a recipe book from cover to cover, chuckling at the chef’s idiosyncrasies yet all the while feeling that this autistic chef knows more about human nature than most people know about sautéing. Grains of wisdom are sprinkled liberally such as:
On shaving off corn kernels: Retrieve stray kernels from bench and floor and put in bin or with other kernels depending on your attitude to hygiene and waste. (Can this guy see into my kitchen!)
On making chicken stock: You can use leftover bones from diner’s plates – my grandmother did this but my mother considered it unhygienic. I follow my grandmothers advice is a household which already shares pathogens. (Yep, my mother made all our chicken stock on shared pathogen bones.)
On childhood eating requirements: As a child I was required to eat things I didn’t like on the basis that I would get used to them, suffer malnutrition without them, or even that I was somehow contribution to world hunger. (My mother’s voice indeed!)
Some of Don’s recipes are not for the feint-hearted – Chermoula-spiced Salmon with Couscous (page 40) but he also caters for those who don’t mind a good dose of basic wheat and fat al la the Toasted Cheese Sandwich (page 131) all with obligatory advice on accompanying alcoholic beverages (for those who consume alcohol – Note: which is not advised).
I highly recommend this book for anyone who 1) loves to cook; 2) hates to cook and needs very explicit instructions on how to cook well; 3) wants advice on human nature; 4) wants a good read; 5) can’t think of a Christmas present for eccentric friends.
Now I’m waiting for Don’s thesis on the cure for cancer!
(Disclaimer – I received a free advance copy for an unbiased review)
On shaving off corn kernels: Retrieve stray kernels from bench and floor and put in bin or with other kernels depending on your attitude to hygiene and waste. (Can this guy see into my kitchen!)
On making chicken stock: You can use leftover bones from diner’s plates – my grandmother did this but my mother considered it unhygienic. I follow my grandmothers advice is a household which already shares pathogens. (Yep, my mother made all our chicken stock on shared pathogen bones.)
On childhood eating requirements: As a child I was required to eat things I didn’t like on the basis that I would get used to them, suffer malnutrition without them, or even that I was somehow contribution to world hunger. (My mother’s voice indeed!)
Some of Don’s recipes are not for the feint-hearted – Chermoula-spiced Salmon with Couscous (page 40) but he also caters for those who don’t mind a good dose of basic wheat and fat al la the Toasted Cheese Sandwich (page 131) all with obligatory advice on accompanying alcoholic beverages (for those who consume alcohol – Note: which is not advised).
I highly recommend this book for anyone who 1) loves to cook; 2) hates to cook and needs very explicit instructions on how to cook well; 3) wants advice on human nature; 4) wants a good read; 5) can’t think of a Christmas present for eccentric friends.
Now I’m waiting for Don’s thesis on the cure for cancer!
(Disclaimer – I received a free advance copy for an unbiased review)
November 24, 2019
Take Don Tillman's advice on stress-free entertaining and the world's best cocktails, and avoid wasting time on food shopping, meal design and cooking.
March 12, 2023
What an interesting recipe book! I didn't much like the idea of the standardised meal system when I first read about it in the Rosie Project, but it has grown on me to the point of being willing to adopt standardisation 2 nights per week (my housemates also cook) with room for variation in side vegetables: 1 salmon dish and 1 red meat dish.
Most of the recipes are more time consuming and complex than I would like to make on a weeknight, with lots of ingredients that aren't readily available at supermarkets (Don Tillman hates supermarket shopping). Many recipes have an entree that is served while the person making dinner continues to cook - how unpleasant! I took note of some of the simpler recipes to try on weekends but I don't think I would like to implement any of Don's weekly seasonal meal plans as prescribed. I enjoyed reading them regardless.
My favourite quote was right at the end: '"If it tastes good in pizza, it is worth considering as a pasta topping, possibly after further topping." The reverse is not true.' I shall think about this every time I look at a pizza menu from now on.
Most of the recipes are more time consuming and complex than I would like to make on a weeknight, with lots of ingredients that aren't readily available at supermarkets (Don Tillman hates supermarket shopping). Many recipes have an entree that is served while the person making dinner continues to cook - how unpleasant! I took note of some of the simpler recipes to try on weekends but I don't think I would like to implement any of Don's weekly seasonal meal plans as prescribed. I enjoyed reading them regardless.
My favourite quote was right at the end: '"If it tastes good in pizza, it is worth considering as a pasta topping, possibly after further topping." The reverse is not true.' I shall think about this every time I look at a pizza menu from now on.
January 28, 2024
I’d love Don Tillman to prepare one of his meals for me! Love this idea and the Rosie books. Would have higher rating if I could actually make one of these delicious sounding recipes!
April 11, 2020
Graeme Simsion is a wonderful writing and have read all of his books so far. While this isn’t a novel but a cookbook/cocktail creation it contains a lot of his humour that are a prominent feature of his novels. While the recipes themselves sound interesting it is the way they are presented to the reader is both hilarious and at times enlightening.
Firstly the details steps are incredible - such precision, timing and advice are all incorporated. Too long to give an example except to say that if you aren’t sure of what exactly to do with the recipes included here they are giving you every single moment!
Secondly the footnotes are so amusing, like a side remark or comment. For example when discussing a recipe and the timing when having guest his footnote is:
I recommend us of the word “ sharp” when specifying arrival time, and the avoidance of such ambiguous formulations as “6:30 for 7:00”. If you have French guests, it is vital to emphasise that local custom is for guests not to be “politely late”. If you are French yourself, you should expect guests from other countries to arrive at the time you specify, and therefore you should be clothed and prepared.
Thirdly, his advice on diet and drinking habits are included, again with the typical Don Tillman sense of humour.
Spaghetti Puttanesca - This meal is not only delicious but could also save your life. It contains a large quantity of salt and I recommend a blood-pressure test for all household members before eating it. If high blood pressure is detected, the physician is likely to be able to prescribe an effective pharmaceutical treatment with (generally) minimal side effects. As well as being able to consume spaghetti puttanesca with relative safely, you will be treating a medical problem which could have had fatal consequences if undetected.
I found this to be a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable read which for a recipe type book is most unusual but also refreshing.
Thank you to Netgalley and Text Publishing for a copy to read and to give an honest review.
Firstly the details steps are incredible - such precision, timing and advice are all incorporated. Too long to give an example except to say that if you aren’t sure of what exactly to do with the recipes included here they are giving you every single moment!
Secondly the footnotes are so amusing, like a side remark or comment. For example when discussing a recipe and the timing when having guest his footnote is:
I recommend us of the word “ sharp” when specifying arrival time, and the avoidance of such ambiguous formulations as “6:30 for 7:00”. If you have French guests, it is vital to emphasise that local custom is for guests not to be “politely late”. If you are French yourself, you should expect guests from other countries to arrive at the time you specify, and therefore you should be clothed and prepared.
Thirdly, his advice on diet and drinking habits are included, again with the typical Don Tillman sense of humour.
Spaghetti Puttanesca - This meal is not only delicious but could also save your life. It contains a large quantity of salt and I recommend a blood-pressure test for all household members before eating it. If high blood pressure is detected, the physician is likely to be able to prescribe an effective pharmaceutical treatment with (generally) minimal side effects. As well as being able to consume spaghetti puttanesca with relative safely, you will be treating a medical problem which could have had fatal consequences if undetected.
I found this to be a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable read which for a recipe type book is most unusual but also refreshing.
Thank you to Netgalley and Text Publishing for a copy to read and to give an honest review.
February 17, 2020
This book seems to be a marketing ploy to cash in on the success of the Rosie Project books---which I loved. However I didn't find much merit in this book.
4/10
4/10
November 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this whimsical accompaniment to the fantastic Rosie books, which feature Don Tillman and his standardised meal plan. Written in the unmistakable style of Don, this is a cookery book with a difference. Aimed at the reasonable home cook, there are recipes that I’ll be giving a bash and as I put the instructions to use, I’ll enjoy being instructed by one of my favourite characters in recent years. If you haven’t read the Rosie books (which I would highly recommend), I’m not quite sure what you would make of this book, so maybe don’t start here! With huge thanks to Netgalley and Text Publishing for an ARC in consideration of an honest review.
October 6, 2019
Why was this even written, pointless & doesn't add anything to the delightful Rosie novels ( I received an ARC from the publisher)
September 9, 2020
To appreciate this little book you need to have read the Rosie Project and ideally the other books in this series. Always trying to let the world know the benefits of Dons approach this book explains the Standardized Meal System which is less standardized since Rosie came into the picture. There are obvious opportunities for more Don systems to come. A bit of fun and some interesting culinary ideas.
December 11, 2019
I have not read the Rosie novels but I am interested in many of the recipes in this book and I like the standardized meal plan idea. I will definitely go back and read the Rosie novels now. I plan to try several of these recipes.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2020
I admit that I have only read a few cookbooks, but this one definitely stands out. Prof. Don Tillman's recipes are funny and accurate, he also doesn't shy away from telling you to google a task, or to go on youtube for better recipe results. This book is perfect for BBQ enthusiasts and would make a great gift for a newlywed couple.
May 29, 2020
A moderately interesting read for fans of Professor Tillman. Some interesting meal (and cocktail) suggestions, along with some encouragement to experiment within the parameters of the system. It's not really intended to be a cookbook as such, but I've been pleased with the results of the recipes I've tried so far.
September 4, 2020
The Lobster Salad might be the best thing I've made in my kitchen this lockdown. The hints to plot moments from the Rosie books only make me excited to actually read them, which I probably should have done already. But I don't regret my choice one bit.
Seasonal set weekly menus. Genius. I think I'm going to love Don.
Seasonal set weekly menus. Genius. I think I'm going to love Don.
December 11, 2020
Graeme, where is the recipe for lobster with passion fruit? That is literally the main reason I bought this book! (I know you have another recipe with mango but not the same). I also was hoping you might talk about the running/shopping that Don does ... loved that in the book. I was really looking forward to this but I’m so disappointed, I think I will return.
December 2, 2019
As someone who loves Don Tillman, I was extremely excited to get a chance to read this book/cookbook. I enjoyed the Don comments before the recipe but that’s the part where I think this book is aimed to just a certain audience.
December 9, 2019
Thank you Text Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a fun recipe book with lots of humour. I’m trying the granola recipe now, smells wonderful in the oven.
August 17, 2021
Once I figure out grams & centimeters, then this is my new cookbook. May be my only cookbook
January 2, 2022
Leuk extra boekje bij de Rosie-serie. Wordt wel wat repetitief.
July 4, 2022
This is so much more than a cook book. It's a novel that's 70% recipes.
It's also fantastic. I would highly recommend it for anyone that's read and liked The Rosie Project.
It's also fantastic. I would highly recommend it for anyone that's read and liked The Rosie Project.
September 1, 2022
I gave up on this book. Did not find it funny nor were the recipes of interest. A repetitive book padded out with instructions.
January 25, 2023
After his first Big Bang Theoryish ‘Rosie’ book there followed a steep downhill creative path…finally at the bottom there is a muddy ditch where this collection of words belongs.
November 24, 2020
I have read only The Rosie Project (Book #1), but I love the narrator, so I was happy to see his meal planner and cookbook. So fun!
February 26, 2020
Fun supplement to the Rosie books. Don's pragmatic point of view is always a pleasure.
February 21, 2020
This is how all recipe blogs should be written - take note, bloggers!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews