Apple Loves a Food App

By Merritt Martin Thu., Jun. 10 2010 at 3:55 PM

Categories: Food News

Apple released its list for the Apple Design Award's top 10 applications for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Among them were sweetly addictive time-killing games (what, no Angry Birds? At least they included Doodle Jump), creative tools (Brushes for iPhone, TabToolKit) and yes, Jamie Oliver's 20-Minute Meals.

It seems that even in the midst of Slow Food movements, people still want help throwing together a quick dinner that doesn't require a loud speaker and a lighted menu. And hey, 20-minute meals are, in fact, fairly quick-like and don't require the use of a George Foreman Grill or a Fun Cooker, but think of how fast prep would be if we had an easier time with community gardens 'round these parts. Fewer trips to the grocery store, local produce, Oliver's recipes at arms-length -- we'd be working with technology and community land. But I digress.

I've actually got the 20-Minute Meals app and I gotta say, though it's a bit pasta-heavy, after comparing it with other recipe apps -- all of which I eventually deleted out of frustration -- I have not been disappointed with the flavor profiles, adaptability and skill level required.

Apple's got other apps for those that don't follow the Food Revolution. There's an entire app list in the iTunes store entitled "Apps for Foodies." There's all manner of AllRecipes.com Dinner Spinner Pro, Sushipedia, Ask the Butcher, Whole Foods Market Recipes and more from celebs: Tyler Florence Fast, Nigella Quick Collection (mental note: must try that one), and Martha's Everyday Food.

Whether you skew healthy or not, having a solid recipe app at your fingertips -- especially one that offers a 20-minute max prep -- outweighs dialing that same phone and ordering junkier food you'll have to wait 45 minutes for.