Virtually Cooking

Virtual reality baking is not something I expected to find at the IPod App store. Honestly, I'm not sure what I really expected since I am new to the world of IPod, but the idea of using an electronic device to make cookies and cupcakes never crossed my mind. Yet, one of the first applications I came across features ten cake flavors, ten frosting colors/flavors, and 18 toppers. What does one do with these lovely "baked" goods upon completion? Send them to friends via e-mail, of course. Another variation on this application is one called "Cupcake Me" in which the user answers a series of questions in an effort to find out what kind of cupcake he is. (I'm not making this up, you know.) Yet another application, "Cookie Doodle," gives users a choice of 21 types of cookie dough, 25 frosting colors, 121 cookie cutter shapes, and 35 toppings. Users even roll out the dough with a virtual rolling pin! I guess this is the definitive cookie diet - all the colors, flavors, and fun without any taste or calories.

While these frivolous little apps appear amusing, the truly tempting programs feature recipes, directions, and pictures from some of my favorite cookbook authors like Martha Stewart, Nigella Lawson, Jaime Oliver and Tyler Florence, all of whom have quick fix dinner apps for IPod. There are also numerous cooking applications specializing in meals (like breakfast) or cuisine (like French and Italian). Even Allrecipes.com (one of my favorite websites) has an IPod app that creates shopping lists from recipes and displays directions in a "kitchen view" for easy reading. Another application I am considering is "iFood Assistant by Kraft." This little number offers offline access to recipes, videos, shopping lists, etc. and has a budget meal section. Since I often refer to all my back copies of the Kraft Food and Family Magazine , I am currently leaning toward this one. In addition to the few I've discussed here, there are many other applications featuring wine ratings, grilling, and food diaries with calorie tracking.

I have to admit that I am a little technophobic, so all these choices can be overwhelming. I am modulating among a trusted brand name (Kraft), a favorite cook (Nigella), and an often-used website (Allrecipes.com). Of course each comes with a price tag ranging between 99 cents and $7.99, which is a factor, particularly when making a first purchase. In addition, I can see how technology might make my cooking life easier by allowing me to thumb through recipes on the ride home from work (Don't worry - Jeff's driving) and create a list for a quick stop at the grocery, but there is something sensual about opening a friendly cookbook to the slightly musical cracking of the binding and leafing through glossy-stiff pages that smell faintly of cinnamon sugar from so many years in the kitchen. Finally, I am suspect of sending friends and family virtual treats since the work and the love are omitted. After all, isn't part of the joy of receiving home baked goods in knowing that someone loves you enough to give their time and energy to please you? Technology certainly has a place in the kitchen as long as it doesn't usurp the nourishment of body, mind, or soul.