iCookbook Review

Right out of the gate, iCookbook is a visually stunning app. It's obvious why the designers decided to go with the iPad as the native device for this one because it simply wouldn't work as well on a smaller screen. What you'll find within the iCookbook app is over 2000 recipes tested by the editors of Publications International. They really know their stuff. They've been writing brand-specific cookbooks for decades, and have published over 200 of them.

To begin, you can search for a recipe by ingredient, theme, cuisine, occasion, brand and more. The user interface really is intuitive for this type of app, and I think they've worked hard to make this useful for people of all ages and skill levels when it comes to technology use, with large clear text and easily understood organization.

An overview of each recipe gives you the ingredients, instructions and other helpful info. This app isn't just for reference, it's built for interaction. Once you click 'Prepare' you will get step by step instructions, which can be controlled via Voice Command. This is one of the most unique and functional features of iCookbook, and what helps set it apart from other apps in this category. While you might be wrist-deep in cookie dough, you can simply say "NEXT" (or any number of other commands) interact with your recipe. However, it's not always the most receptive, and you may find yourself repeating yourself a few times. Still, I'm impressed with this feature and function.

Finally, I want to point out that this app offers another function that it may not get as much press for, but I think is amazing. You have the ability to enter in your own recipes. iCookbook can easily become your depository for all recipes in your house.

Only a few drawbacks to this amazing app. I'm not a fan of cookbooks which are undeniably thinly veiled advertisements for the brands and products they promote. iCookbooks is obviously brand supported, every recipe has a brand specific ingredient. Luckily none of the recipes I found were so blatant to be named something like "Hershey's ® Chocolate Square Bites" or anything like that.

Finally, you'll be able to share all of this via email and Facebook, as it does have some social networking integration. You can also Print recipes and shopping lists via AirPrint. Honestly, there are about half a dozen more neat features you should read up on, too.

All in all, however this is definitely one of the best cookbook and recipe apps out there. It's very reasonably priced, starting at only $4.99, and there are additional recipe packs available as in-app purchases. I know that I'll definitely try to use this more, and am looking forward to trying some of the tastiness.