If you’re a cook, you’re probably also an Internet user. The evidence is clear: the number of culinary Web pages is quickly growing. More than half of the Internet users in Europe prepare meals for themselves, their family or their friends on a daily basis. Of course, many cooks use recipes they already know or have previously used. However, if looking for something new or for something specific to go with other elements of a meal, people choose to find what they need on the Internet.
Last year, Internet users searching for cooking instructions used Google and other Internet search engines, and referenced websites and blogs of people with a passion for cooking who routinely share recipes. Certain Web sites encourage users to spend time using and contributing to an extensive directory of recipes, and to use custom search engines to more quickly find appropriate dishes.
In addition to databases rich with recipes, users can find many articles and cooking tips, as well as advice on subjects beyond that of strictly cooking.
To facilitate the use of these online recipe directories, Web sites have introduced advanced search capabilities. Typically, you can now search for recipes which meet several criteria, including: the time needed to prepare the meal; the maximum total cost of food ingredients; difficulty; and, type of meal (appetizer, breakfast, lunch, dinner). A very useful search feature can also be found on some recipe sites: the ability to search by ingredients currently stocked in the home. Simply enter those ingredient names into the system and you will be presented a list of recipes which may be prepared using them! No more trying to figure out (at the last minute!) what interesting meal you might be able to make with the various items you’ve got in the cupboards and refrigerator!
Some cooking websites are focused on unique approaches to presenting recipes. One of the most-read cooking blogs in Poland – (kwestiasmaku.com) – owes its popularity not only to its delicious recipes but also to the wonderful accompanying photos which colourfully (and tastefully!) illustrate them.
Delving even further into the use of modern media, the young producers of recipe website kotlet.tv post short videos instructing viewers on how to prepare for and produce their various dishes. There are currently over 1,600 of these video cooking presentations viewable at the site and which may be found at Youtube.
Other interesting features and content of culinary websites includes: a calculator which converts measures appearing in recipes
- a glossary of culinary terms
- news and announcements of culinary events
- appetizing desktop wallpapers with calendars
- restaurant reviews
- announcements of competitions
- favorite celebrity dishes
Even when dealing with recipes, it is all about the content. Many sites excel in gathering a following of loyal users through the indexing and presentation of their recipe collections.
By the way, on the Internet you can even find many cooking games to play online — most of them being free! You can use these games on your own Web site to enhance your content, which may help to increase the total time users spend at your site!.