Nicole Richie wants to publish her own cookbook.

The 'Simple Life' star - who has battled eating disorders in the past - has been preparing home-cooked meals for fiance Joel Madden and wants to pass on her recipes.

A source close to Nicole - who has a five-month-old daughter Harlow with the Good Charlotte rocker - told America's OK! magazine: "She keeps a box full of recipes handwritten on index cards. She has macaroni and cheese down to a fine science!

"She also makes sure she keeps things low-fat to help her and Joel watch their weight."

Nicole - who has previously been in rehab for drug addiction - recently revealed her life has never been better since she met Joel and gave birth to Harlow.

She said: "I'm happier than I have ever been but I take nothing for granted. I have great friends, a great family, a great place to live and a beautiful baby. I've gone through a lot of hardship in my past but I really feel like I've come out on the other end. I'd really like to show how much I appreciate the fact that I'm still here, because I almost didn't get that chance."

Image WENN