I’m not a power user when it comes to smart phone apps, but Epicurious has changed the way I search and shop for recipes. Its uber-intelligent design and search function *almost* makes obsolete the need for my full shelf of cookbooks. Here are a few details on each of the main functions. I can say in confidence that my epicuriosity has been fully satisfied!
Recipe Search
The most amazing attribute of this app is the variety of ways to search for a recipe -- by main ingredient, meal/course, cuisine, dietary consideration, dish type and season or occasion. Recently, I had two ripe avocados that had to be used and I was in the mood for a new salad. I typed in avocado for main ingredient and chose salad under meal/course and up popped the best salad I’ve had in a long time -- a romaine, grilled avocado and corn salad topped with a easy-to-make chipotle-ceasar dressing.
Favorites Folder
Obviously, this salad was worthy of a placement in my favorites folder which can be sorted alphabetically or by those added recently. Add it’s easy to add a recipe to your folder; just tap the + symbol at the top of the recipe and it’s stored for next use.
Recipe Display
In addition to the necessary components of a recipe, Epicurious includes photos and reviews at the top of the screen for quick accessibility and reference. For special procedures or instructions, the recipe will offer a chef’s note or a live link for additional information. My salad recipe linked to special grilling procedures with tips on properly preparing a grill, in addition to my avocado and corn, for grilling.
Shopping List
Once you find the perfect recipe you can add it to a shopping list by tapping the + symbol at the top of the screen. It will automatically create a categorized list. If you happen to have more than one recipe you’re shopping for, you can combine them into one comprehensive list with a quick tap of the screen. I was actually sitting in my car in the grocery store parking lot when I realized I didn’t look up a recipe for my avocados before I left the house. Thankfully, I pulled out my phone with the Epicurious app loaded and ready to go. In under three minutes I had a recipe and shopping list ready to go.
This app is available for the iphone, ipad and Android mobile devices. Pique your epicuriosity by visiting http://www.epicurious.com/services/mobile.
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