The days of lugging your cookbooks onboard under the disapproving gaze of the Captain and mumblings from the crew about where you were stowing them are over.  There are several technological breakthroughs that have lightened your load and increased your knowledge base.

If you have an iPhone (or iTouch) there are several apps available (i had no idea when i started this posting that Apple was featuring apps for cooks - i have found some gems that they do not highlight):

  • epicurious: Highly Recommmend.  As a long time fan of the epicurious website, which combines the recipe archives for the now-defunct Gourmet magazine along with bon appetite, Self and other sources, this app has fulfilled my expectations.  It’s easy to find recipes & ideas.  User ratings are available and the user feedback comments are helpful.  Recipes can be saved off-line so you can use without a wifi or mobile connection.  There is an option to make shopping lists but it does not combine items from multiple recipes or allow you to change a dish’s size.  You can read a recipe in either landscape or vertical.  I find it easy to cook with because it takes up such small space - sometimes I leave it in the pocket of my apron.  My iTouch has a cover so if it gets grimy while cooking I take the cover off & wash it.  free
  • saveurs - in French - gorgeous photos with over a 1,000 recipes in all categories
  • Pair It! - Food & Wine Guide:  matches food with wine in a simple interface.  It has detailed descriptions of both wines and recipes - you can match either way. works off-line
  • Fromage: Guide to over 750 international cheeses.  Some photos are better than others.  Tons of info from origin, type, process and parings.  You can add your own entrees & photos & notes.

In addition to saving space & weight, you can save money.  Most apps average about US $2.99 while the Gourmet Today cookbook costs US $23.50.  Technology week continues tomorrow with more apps.

Soundtrack to Post: 1984 Apple commercial

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