Guides & Instructions

Easy step-by-step instructions for getting connected and using family tools

Connecting to the Tailscale VPN

Tailscale is our secure private network. You need it turned ON whenever you want to access Cloud Storage, Photos, or Smart Home from outside our house.

  1. Install the App:
    • iPhone / iPad: Search "Tailscale" in the App Store.
    • Android: Search "Tailscale" on Google Play.
    • Windows / Mac: Download from tailscale.com/download.
  2. Sign In: Open the app and log in using the shared family email or your invited account.
  3. Turn the switch ON: Toggle the main connect switch. When it turns Green / Connected, your device is on our private network.
  4. Test Connection: Open the Dashboard and tap Cloud Storage or Photos. If the page loads, you're all set!

How to Add a Recipe to the Collection

Have a great family recipe, an old handwritten card, or a dish you found online? Adding it to our cookbook is easy!

Quickest Method

Found a recipe online? Import directly by link!

If your recipe is already on the web, this is the easiest way (if it works!). Websites like BBC Good Food and Allrecipes are known to typically work well.

  1. Find the recipe online and copy its website link (URL).
  2. Open the Cookbook app.
  3. Click "+ New Recipe", paste the copied link into "Import from URL", and click Import.
  4. If the ingredients and steps appear, check the details and click Save!
Did the link import fail? (Many sites block scrapers), or do you have a family recipe, handwritten card, or rough notes? Use our Recipe Helper Gem below!

Step 1 Open the Recipe Helper (Our Custom Gem)

We use a custom AI recipe assistant that formats ingredients, portions, and steps automatically for our cookbook.

  1. Get the link: If you don't already have the link to our Recipe Helper Gem, ask me for it, or launch it directly below:
    Open Recipe Helper in Google Gemini
  2. Open the link on your phone or computer.
  3. Click Add / Use Gem to start chatting.

Step 2 Create Your Recipe

You don't need to worry about formatting, layout, or code—the helper does all the heavy lifting!

  1. Share your recipe with the helper:
    • Type, paste, or dictate your recipe into the chat using voice-to-text.
    • Or take a clear photo of a handwritten recipe card, notes, or cookbook page and upload it.
  2. The helper will automatically organize your ingredients, cooking times, and instructions, then generate a recipe file called recipe.json.
  3. Save your recipe file:
    • Click the Copy icon on the code box, or
    • Save/download it as a file named recipe.json on your device.
  4. (Optional: Pick a nice photo of the finished dish if you have one!)

Step 3 Add it to the Cookbook

Choose whichever option is easier for you:

Option A: The Easy Way (Send it to me!)

If you'd rather not touch cloud folders, just send me:

  • The recipe.json text or file (via WhatsApp, email, or chat).
  • A photo of the dish (optional).

Send it over and I'll drop it into the collection when I get a chance!

Option B: The Self-Service Way (Upload it yourself!)

If you have access to our cloud storage and want to add it directly:

  1. Log in to Nextcloud: Open Nextcloud in your browser or via the app. (Remember to turn on Tailscale VPN if you are away from home!)
  2. Navigate to the Recipes folder: Go to Files → Pendery → Recipes.
  3. Create a folder for your dish: Click the + (New) button at the top and select New folder. Name the folder after your dish (e.g. Grandma's Apple Pie or Spicy Chicken Wok).
    Tip: Avoid using slashes (/) in folder names.
  4. Upload your files: Open your new recipe folder. Drag and drop (or click + → Upload file) your recipe.json file. If you have a photo, upload it here too!
  5. Make it visible in the Cookbook app: Click the Cookbook icon (the chef's hat ) at the top of Nextcloud. In the bottom-left corner, click Cookbook settings (the gear icon) → click "Rescan library". Refresh the page—your new recipe is live for everyone to enjoy! 🎉