Talk Of Tomatoes

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Food apps... and I don't mean 'appetizers'

blueberries

I am sure there are a million [smartphone and/or tablet] apps out there for food-lovers, chefs, moms-on-the-go and anyone who begs the question---THAT question---'what's for dinner?'

Tell me if you find it useful for me to post occasional round-ups of new food apps for smartphones and/or tablets (think iPad and Xoom). If not, I won't. If yes, then why not? And by the way, please do tell me [in the comments below!] what your favorite cooking apps are!

This round-up is nearly cheating, as it was forwarded to me by US Weekly who actually (unlike me) took the time to gather popular food apps into a short list of 'who's-who.' No surprise these hit the mainstream wonders of the culinary world: the FoodNetwork and Media darlings of television... but still.

OH and because I can? I added one, the first one: Mario Batali. Orange crocs and all. I don't know if I could adequately hang with him in actual scale---when I read HEAT I was a bit floored by how he rolls---but love him nonetheless. I am rarely put-off. I have great affection for Mario Batali's food, and while living in Italy for a year I frequently referenced his Molto Italiano Cookbook. It was a great resource then, and his food still inspires me today.**

MARIO BATALI Cooks! Here is his app.

MARTHA’S EVERYDAY FOOD: FRESH & EASY RECIPES: For 99 cents, the domestic doyenne’s app sends alerts for daily dinner ideas — and uses iPhone GPS to find grocery stores near you. You can share your fave recipes on Facebook and Twitter.

FOOD NETWORK IN THE KITCHEN You can access 45,000 recipes from the network’s stars, and new seasonal menus are updated each month. ($1.99) Save favorite recipes in an online recipe box; includes in-app kitchen timer(s).

GORDON RAMSAY COOK WITH ME Outside of Hell’s Kitchen, Ramsay offers 56 recipes with guides and pictures. ($7.99) The app offers wine pairings and an email function to invite to friends to enjoy the meal.

NIGELLA QUICK COLLECTION The kitchen goddess guides fans through 70 recipes with 40 minutes of video instruction(s). ($7.99) Make shopping lists from recipes, then make recipes with 'voiced' instructions... like getting GPS directions for driving.

JAMIE OLIVER 20 MINUTE MEALS If you liked his Food Revolution TV show, you’ll love the British chef’s easy recipes. ($7.99) Step-by-step pictures illustrate each recipe, and in 90 minutes of video Oliver teaches his tricks and basic kitchen tips.

TYLER FLORENCE FAST Picking from the app’s 500 recipes is easy: “At the store, type in salmon and 15 recipes pop up!” the Food Network chef tells Us. ($4.99) Need recipe help? Use the app to email the chef or to chat with other users.

Note: Yes, I did put a picture of berries at the market. A tad more interesting than a picture of some phones and a tablet, don't you think? If I had to choose from above... I do access the Food Network for recipes---so that app sounds interesting. I find I migrate toward certain chefs. While searching for a recipes on the Food Network---and Tyler Florence or Emeril Lagasse pop up in the queue---I usually skim their recipes for reference sake. How about you?

**... I may not wear orange crocks like Mario. But I did just order myself new kitchen shoes: Dansko's metallic purple clogs... that has to count for something?!!?