Interactive cookbook served up to budding chefs

"MyHomeChef":http://www.myhomechef.com provides interactive audio and visual tools that compliment recepies featured on the site. The service also enables cooks to source recipes and buy ingredients for those recipes from local producers online, without leaving the kitchen.

The system, developed by technology firm Dependable Systems, is being piloted by a major food allergy charity. It will be unveiled to its partners at the International Food Exhibition in London this month in preparation for a launch in May this year.

While it is currently based online, the Ayr-based firm are developing versions of the product which can be downloaded onto handheld devices such as PDAs, mobile phones and LCD screens that can be more easily accessed while working in the kitchen.

Dependable Systems marketing director Neil Martin said: “Cook books are all very well, but they often assume a certain level of cooking knowledge and experience, and obviously become dated soon after leaving the shop.

“What we are offering is something that is completely interactive, so people can see what to do at every step and can go back if needs be. The product will also be regularly updated with new recipes and new techniques.”