I had the chance recently to review a very unique cookbook - one that can act as either a completely standalone traditional cookbook, or as a connected version, bringing the power and information of the Internet into your kitchen in ways that are relevant to you, when you need it.
I was able to interview the editor about its most notable feature - the use of QR codes that are embedded subtly into the images.
1)
Why was the watermarked image feature chosen over QR codes?
By omitting QR codes and using the
Scan-It/Cook-It feature, we were able to keep the pages clear of clutter
so the focus would be on the incredible food photography and additional
tips, tricks, serving ideas, reviews and/or notes for each
recipe. We love being able to bring the pages to life by linking to the
additional assets on MyRecipes.com and allowing the reader to customize
their experience with the cookbook.
2) What types of information will readers find when they scan the images?
The maroon “Scan this Photo” label and
orange “Scan this Box” label includes information about where the scan
will take them on MyRecipes.com. When readers scan a box or an image,
they’ll be taken to one of the following:
·
How-to videos that walk you step-by-step through a recipe. These usually point to my Dinner Tonight videos.
·
Technique videos that show you how to do a specific procedure like chop an onion or poach an egg.
·
Recipe collections or slideshows that point
to similar types of recipes as the one scanned. For example, if you scan
the photo of Guinness Beer Stew, it will take you to 7 more recipes
that use beer.
·
Weeknight meal planners with a menu and a combined shopping list for five weeknight recipes, including the one you just scanned.
·
Our Ask the Expert articles that feature the answers to common cooking questions. You also will be able to submit your own questions here.
·
A customizable online version of all of the recipes in the book.
3) Is there additional content for every recipe?
All 200 recipes in "America’s Favorite Food," coming from popular magazines such as
Cooking Light, Real Simple and Southern Living, have a
professional, full-color image and at least one piece of extra
information about the recipe. This includes topics such as a quick tip,
user suggestions from our online recipe reviewers, and/or
a label indicating that the recipe is 5 ingredients or less, 30 minutes
or less, gluten-free, kid-friendly, low-calorie, make-ahead, or cooked
on a grill or in a slow cooker. Readers may also find the answer to an
“Ask the Expert” question about an ingredient
or technique used in the recipes and/or a reader review quote.
4) What about non-smartphone users - why should they check out this cookbook?
This cookbook can certainly stand on
its own for non-smartphone users since it is a beautiful book with over
200 top-rated recipes that have received the most reviews from our
online users. The color photographs, helpful tips, substitution
suggestions, side dish recommendations and more give the book a very
complete look and feel. An eBook version is also available for eReaders
and tablets that offers the same features without needing a smartphone.
The is a broad variety of recipes in this book, and they all look delicious. They are clear and easy to read, have beautiful pictures, and are really enhanced by some of the additional features linked to on the website. This book would be a perfect gift for just about any cook looking to increase their repertoire and cooking techniques, but I think it's especially appropriate for the newer or less-experienced cook, because it makes it so easy to find tips about the recipe being used right at that moment.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate this review.
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