Synopsis of the App
The Cookbook Café app provides a way to self-publish, sell and shop for digital cookbooks.
RDN Score
4 out of 5
Platform and Price
Free: Apple
Pros
Cookbooks can be made into an iPad app or a web-based interactive eBook.
No cost to build your cookbook.
Option to provide your cookbook at no cost, sell it for a profit or use it as a fundraiser.
Global search function allows you to find cookbooks using keywords like savory or nutty in addition to the standard categories like course or occasion.
Pull in recipe content from family, friends and colleagues.
User-friendly cookbook design and layout complete with photos and the option to rate and review recipes.
Switch to "cook mode" for step-by-step instructions without distractions.
Provides kitchen essentials including a substitutions tool, multiple timers and an interactive conversion tool for wet and dry ingredients that includes metric and customary measures.
Access many features from the home screen without logging in.
Quickly view the latest, featured and non-profit books under "what's new."
Connect with cookbook authors via their website or social media from within the app.
Cookbooks range from free to $9.99.
Cons
Design could be more polished.
Cookbook builder is only available on the iPad.
Bottom Line
Perfect for the first-time cookbook creator, Cookbook Café eliminates the barriers and provides an accessible platform to produce your cookbook e-book. This DIY platform can be used for exposure, fundraising or to simply share your recipes.
Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD, is based in Atlanta and specializes in culinary nutrition, communications and consulting. She blogs at marisamoore.com. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
