WO2007051049A2

WO2007051049A2 - Systems and methods to facilitate food and drink preparation

Info

Publication number: WO2007051049A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/042479
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donald N. Chamberlain
Original assignee: Kc Holdings, Llc
Priority date: 2005-10-28
Filing date: 2006-10-30
Publication date: 2007-05-03
Also published as: WO2007051049A3

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a method of providing dynamic recipe information. Themethod includes receiving a request from an input device (16) to access recipe information (90) and retrieving a recipe from a data storage device based upon the request, the recipe including an ideal serving size, one or more recipe instructions, and one or more ingredients, the ingredients including one or more quantities associated with the ingredients. The method also includescalculating values for the quantities associated with the ingredients based upon an actual serving size, the calculations performed by a processing unit in communication with the data storage device and the input device (16). The method further includes displaying the values for the quantities of ingredients based upon the actual serving size on a display device (14).

Description

for

SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO FACILITATE FOOD AND DRINK

PREPARATION

of

Donald N. Chamberlain

TITLE

SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO FACILITATE FOOD AND DRINK

PREPARATION

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is based on and claims priority to United States Provisional Application Serial No. 60/731452 having a filing date of October 28, 2005.

BACKGROUND

A common problem in cooking, whether cooking for oneself or for many other people, is the calculation of ingredient amounts for a given recipe based on the desired serving size. An example might be a certain recipe originally designed to produce six servings while only two servings are needed. Typically, such recipe information with finite serving information for food and drink preparation is compiled and presented in either hard copy cookbooks or electronic software recipe programs to be run on general purpose computers. Neither mode of recipe presentation allows for exacting duplication of recipes based on serving size or is completely suitable for use in a food or drink preparation environment.

Cookbooks are often poorly organized and indexed. Furthermore, they are usually limited to a single cuisine, level of cooking skill, or type of meal. Thus, to cook a meal requiring a number of separate recipes, a variety of cookbooks must be consulted during food and drink preparation and numerous calculations must be made to determine ingredient amounts based on serving size. The task of calculating ingredient amounts based on serving size is often so burdensome that many a user opt to ignore the number of servings needed and, rather, simply follow the recipe without modification to the amounts of ingredients, even if the recipe serving size will yield more or less than the amount desired. Alternatively, electronic software recipe programs are difficult to use as they are meant to be run on general purpose computers that are rarely found in a food or drink preparation environment. Thus, it is usually necessary to print out recipes for a particular meal prior to food or drink preparation. Such general purpose computers are also quite costly and have limited applications that are useful in a food and drink preparation environment. In addition, such electronic software recipe programs do not provide exacting duplication of recipes based on serving size. Furthermore, use of software recipe programs is complicated and time consuming for inexperienced computer users.

Thus, a need exists for a system that is capable of calculating ingredient amounts for a given recipe based on the serving size. In addition, a need exists for a system that can be conveniently operated in a food or drink preparation environment. A need also exists for a system that allows the ability to access an unlimited number of recipes based on type of cuisine, cooking skill, or type of meal and that can provide step-by-step guidance for preparing one or more recipes at the same time. Finally, a need exists for a system that includes additional functionality to make for a cost-effective addition in a food or drink preparation environment.

SUMMARY

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through the practice of the invention.

The present disclosure is directed to a method of providing dynamic recipe information. The method includes receiving a request from an input device to access recipe information and retrieving a recipe from a data storage device based upon the request, the recipe including an ideal serving size, one or more recipe instructions, and one or more ingredients, the ingredients including one or more quantities associated with the ingredients. The method also includes calculating values for the quantities associated with the ingredients based upon an actual serving size, the calculations performed by a processing unit in communication with the data storage device and the input device. The method further includes displaying the values for the quantities of ingredients based upon the actual serving size on a display device.

In certain embodiments, the method may further include adjusting the recipe instructions based upon the actual serving size, the adjustments performed by the processing unit. In some embodiments, the method may include identifying action words in the recipe instructions with the identification performed by the processing unit, and displaying the recipe instructions sequentially on the display device based upon the action words. In some embodiments, the method may include displaying the recipe instructions sequentially on the display device. In certain embodiments, the recipe may be for food preparation. In certain embodiments, the recipe may be for drink preparation. In some embodiments, the method may include receiving a second request from the input device to access recipe information, retrieving a second recipe from the data storage device based upon the second request, and displaying the second recipe simultaneously with the recipe instructions on the display device. In certain embodiments, the second recipe may include an ideal serving size, one or more recipe instructions, and one or more ingredients, the ingredients including one or more quantities associated with the ingredients. In some embodiments, the processing unit and the data storage device may be in communication with one another via the Internet. In some embodiments, the method may include ordering one or more of the ingredients from a provider via the Internet.

In another exemplary disclosure, a system for providing dynamic recipe information is provided. The system includes: a) a recipe information database with one or more recipes, the recipes including an ideal serving size, one or more recipe instructions, and one or more ingredients, the ingredients including one or more quantities associated with the ingredients; and b) an apparatus, the apparatus in communication with the recipe information database, the apparatus including an input device, a processing unit, and a display device, the apparatus operable to receive a request to access recipe information, retrieve from the recipe information database a recipe based upon the request, calculate values for the quantities associated with the ingredients based upon an actual serving size, and display the values for the quantities of ingredients based upon the actual serving size.

Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure, including the best mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures in which: FIG. 1 depicts front schematic views of a device to facilitate food and drink preparation in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts a front schematic view of a device to facilitate food and drink preparation in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts a front schematic view of an input panel of a device to facilitate food and drink preparation in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts front and side schematic views of a device to facilitate food and drink preparation in an open position and a storage position in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts side schematic views of mounting hardware for a device to facilitate food and drink preparation in an open position and a storage position in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 - 28 illustrate command screens usable for receiving inputs in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary construction. The technology discussed herein makes reference to servers, databases, software applications, and other computer-based systems, as well as actions taken and information sent to and from such systems. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a great variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functionality between and among components. For instance, server processes discussed herein may be implemented using a single server or multiple servers working in combination. Databases and applications may be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components may operate sequentially or in parallel. When data is obtained or accessed between a first and second computer system or component thereof, the actual data may travel between the systems directly or indirectly. For example, if a first computer accesses a file or data from a second computer, the access may involve one or more intermediary computers, proxies, and the like. The actual file or data may move between the computers, or one computer may provide a pointer or metafile that the second computer uses to access the actual data from a computer other than the first computer, for instance.

The instant disclosure also makes reference to the relay of communicated data over a network such as the Internet. It should be appreciated that such network communications may also occur over alternative networks such as a dial- in network, a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, intranet or Ethernet type networks and others over any combination of hard-wired or wireless communication links. The various computer systems discussed herein are not limited to any particular hardware architecture or configuration. Any suitable programming, scripting, or other type of language or combinations of languages may be used to implement the teachings contained herein. Embodiments of the methods and systems set forth herein may be implemented by one or more general purpose or customized computing devices accessing software instructions rendered in a computer-readable form. Embodiments of the methods and systems set forth herein may also be implemented by hard-wired logic or other circuitry, including, but not limited to application-specific circuits. Of course, combinations of computer-executed software and hard-wired logic may be suitable, as well. In general, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods to facilitate food and drink preparation. In particular, the systems and methods described herein are capable of calculating ingredient amounts for a given recipe based on the serving size. In addition, the systems and methods described herein can be conveniently utilized in a food or drink preparation environment and allow the ability to access an unlimited number of recipes based on type of cuisine, cooking skill, or type of meal and can provide step-by-step guidance for preparing one or more recipes simultaneously. The systems and methods described herein also can incorporate various functionality to add to the cost-effectiveness in a food or drink preparation environment.

Such systems and methods can result in significant food cost savings by calculating the precise ingredient amounts required to prepare a user selected serving size. The result is a reduction of food costs associated with ingredient overuse or wasted ingredients.

As used herein, the term "user," unless otherwise specified, is intended to refer to any person, group of people, business, or other entity who participates in food or drink preparation. The term "recipe," unless otherwise specified, is intended to refer to instructions for food or drink preparation that might include serving sizes and/or preparation instructions and/or ingredient lists including ingredient quantities and/or nutritional information.

Referring to FIGS. 1 - 5, a device 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. It should be understood that FIGS. 1 - 5 depict one embodiment of a device in accordance with the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the present disclosure contemplates many different devices, systems, and methods as described herein and such would not in any way depart from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

The device 10 comprises a housing 12 which can be removably mounted to a surface (such as a cabinet 32 or countertop 34 in a kitchen or a wall or bar surface in a restaurant) with mounting hardware 30.

The housing 12 includes a display 14. In some embodiments the display 14 comprises a LCD screen with a viewable screen area ranging form 8 inches to 12 inches (refers to the diagonal length from one corner of the screen to the other). In some embodiments, the screen may also be touch screen. It should be understood, however, that any suitable display 14 may be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure.

The housing 12 can also includes a computer that comprises, without limitation, a central processing unit (CPU), memory, a data storage device, ROM, display interface, and a removable data storage device. In some embodiments, the housing includes an input panel 16. In some embodiments, the housing 12 includes a sound interface and/or speaker for sound. In some embodiments, the housing 12 includes a communication interface and communication device. The CPU, memory, hard drive, display interface, and a removable data storage device described in the present disclosure can be of any type known in the art. The hard drive and/or ROM are utilized to store programs for controlling the computer while the CPU executes the programs. In some embodiments, the hard drive stores a recipe database and can be utilized to store additional recipes added by a user.

The memory can act as a storage area for data processing performed by the CPU. The display interface allows for output of video to the display 14. The removable data storage device can be utilized to access recipe information or related food or drink preparation data including steps and timelines for preparing, cooking, and serving each recipe. The removable data storage device can also be used to transfer data between devices 10. CD-ROM or DVD-ROM disks or other data storage media as known in the art can be used in conjunction with the removable data storage device.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in some embodiments an input panel 16 is present. The input panel 16 can have push button controls for selecting specific device performances and/or functions by the user. In some embodiments, the input panel includes a jog dial, trackball, or some other input device to simplify the input of information. In some embodiments, the input panel also includes one or more displays. Such displays may be used to show a timer, elapsed cooking time, a clock, or any other information that would be useful in accordance with the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the input panel 16 is attached to the housing 12 or the display 14 of the device 10. In some embodiments, the input panel 15 is separate from the housing 12 and display 14 and inputs are transmitted to the device 10 communication interface via a radio signal. In still other embodiment, the input device is a touch screen.

In some embodiments, a microphone is present on the input panel for the receipt of sound input commands into the computer. However, the microphone location is not intended to be limited to the input panel and can be located on the display 14 or any such satisfactory location. The microphone can be utilized with voice recognition technologies. Such voice recognition technologies can substitute/supplement other aspects of the disclosure described herein as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the housing 12 includes a sound interface and/or speaker for sound. The sound interface allows for output of sound to a speaker 14.

In certain embodiments, a communication interface is present to allow for data transfer via a modem or some other communication device such as wireless Internet card. In some embodiments, the communication interface allows for the device 10 to connect to the Internet to download recipes and/or other data. In some embodiments, such additional data can be stored on the hard drive or the removable data storage media. In some embodiments, each device 10 is identifiable by a number or signal and such numbers and/or signals can link family members to each other, regardless of location, for private recipe transmission between devices 10.

As described previously, the hard drive and/or ROM preferably include the required programs for operating the device 10. The hard drive includes a recipe database that preferably includes a database of originally selected, developed, and tested recipe data. Such database is available to the user as are any additional recipes on removable data storage media or, in some embodiments, recipes transferred from other devices or downloaded from the Internet. In some embodiments, the device 10 can be utilized with external accessories. In some embodiments, a scale can be attached to the device 10. The scale can be utilized to calculate and compare weight of an ingredient to the weight called for by the recipe and adjustments can then be made to the serving size of the recipe. In addition, adjustments can be made to a recipe's standard recommended cooking time for a listed ingredient based on variations in the weight of the ingredient to be cooked.

In some embodiments, a printer can be utilized with the device so as to allow for recipe ingredient lists to be printed for purchase of ingredients at a grocery store or other type of store. In addition, recipe preparation instructions and other information can also be printed to allow for users to share recipe information.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the device 10 can be mounted with mounting hardware 30 in a manner such that it folds into a storage position when not in use. Referring to FIGS. 6-8, an embodiment of command screens for receiving inputs from users is illustrated. Such command screens are viewed on the screen 14 of the device 10. The "Home Screen" includes a "Find Recipe" option, an "Import/Export Recipe option, a "Nutritional Info" option, and a "Personal Info" option. It should be understood that other options, as needed, could also be added to the "Home Screen" and the above are listed only as examples.

As shown in FlG. 7, in some embodiments, the "Find Recipe" selection allows for recipes to be sorted alphabetically, by cuisine (see FIG. 8 for possible cuisine selections), by ingredients (such as type of meat, vegetable, etc.), by diet (such as diabetic, heart condition, allergies, etc), by food type, and by author. In some embodiments, the device 10 can store user preferences and indicate that certain recipes are not recommended based on a user's particular health constraints.

Each of the recipes provided by the device 10 preferably includes a title, a category, a main ingredient, preparation instructions and cooking times, a list of ingredients including the food items and associated cookware, and nutritional information.

In some embodiments, upon selection of a recipe by a user, the device 10 automatically displays the ingredients and cookware needed for duplicating the recipe on display 14. The device 10 prompts the user for serving size information and the device 10 calculates adjustments to the recipe and ingredients so as to allow for exacting duplication of the recipe. In addition, nutritional information is calculated based on the user's desired serving size.

Also, in some embodiments, video and/or still picture segments demonstrating preparation of the recipe can also be available to a user.

Optionally, if a user is preparing a new recipe, the user can elect to produce an instructional video that will allow video step-by-step instructions recorded through voice activation. Video segments can be started and stopped with voice commands. An example of a recipe for use with the device 10 follows. The device 10 can automatically list serving size of the recipe, ingredients and measurements required, and cookware needed for duplicating "Don's Homemade Potato Salad" recipe. The recipe could be located numerous ways on the device including alphabetically, by cuisine (under a "Family Recipes" entry), by ingredients (by selecting "potatoes" as the main ingredient), by diet (by selecting "high starch" foods), by food type, and by author. Thus, a user can select from the "Find Recipe" menu and select "Sort By Cuisine" and select "Family Recipes" and moves the curser to "Don's Homemade Potato Salad". The device 10 lists the ingredients as follows:

"Don's Homemade Potato Salad"

Recipe serves: 10 - 12 Ingredients

5 lbs Red Skin Idaho Potatoes

1 dozen eggs

8 oz jar seedless olives

1 20-ounce jar Blue Plate Mayonnaise 1 Large whole white onion

1 package celery

2 large green bell peppers

1 - small bag radishes

3 tablespoons salt 1 tablespoon Pepper

2 whole lemons paprika - For sprinkling on finished recipe

Parsley - for garnishment around salad bowl

Lettuce - for lining salad bowl Cooking Ware

1 -Gallon Capacity Boiling Pot

1 -Quart Boiling Pot

Egg Shredder

Large Kitchen Knife Cutting Board Large (1 ¹/₂ Gallon capacity) Salad Bowl

The device 10 prompts the user for serving size information and a processor calculates ingredient measurements of recipe servings, to ingredient measurements for actual servings, makes the ingredient adjustments, and displays the ingredient measurements required for preparing actual servings required to an exacting duplication of the recipe serving size. In addition, the device 10 can allow for the serving size information to be adjusted if only limited amounts of certain ingredients are available. The device 10 can also make necessary adjustments to the recipe directions, such as cooking time modifications and the like. For example, "Don's Homemade Potato Salad" recipe described above calls for 5 lbs Red Skin Idaho Potatoes. Assuming the user only has 3 lbs of Red Skin Idaho Potatoes, such can be entered and the computer calculates adjustments to the recipe and ingredients so as to allow for exacting duplication of the recipe.

Upon confirmation by the user of the serving size, the device 10 will display in a sequence of steps the preparation of "Don's Homemade Potato Salad" or any other recipe desired. The device 10 can display each step of a sequence of time delayed step-by-step instructions on how to prepare the ingredients of the recipe selected. The processor of the device 10 dissects each recipe with step-by-step recipe preparation instructions. In this regard, action words can be detected to parse a recipe for step by step use. For example, words such as "next" can be used to detect breaks in the recipe sequence.

Each sequential step of the recipe displayed on the device 10 is time delayed so as to allow a user preparation of each step at whatever pace is desired. By design, the time delay mechanism will not proceed to the next step of the recipe until the user indicates that the current step is completed. Upon completion of all of the steps of preparing the ingredients, the device 10 can automatically, proceed to step by step instructions on how to cook the recipe, including post cooking instructions, if applicable, and recommendations on how to present and serve the recipe.

In addition, the device 10 allows one or more additional recipes to be prepared simultaneously with the first recipe selected and in the same manner described above. The device 10 combines steps from each individual recipe and de-conflicts steps as necessary such that the user is not required to perform multiple actions at once. The device 10 compares and analyzes the combined cooking times and preparation times required for each recipe and automatically displays the coordinated cooking times on the device 10 display 14. The required cooking times for each recipe are coordinated automatically to a finishing time such that all recipes are prepared and ready to serve at the same time. In this manner, the device allows for preparation of more than one recipe at a time.

As described above, the device's step-by-step cooking, post cooking and presentation phases can have a time delay sequencer that will instruct the exact recipe requirements for cooking the recipe on the display 14. The device can have a built in timer and alarm as well as adjustable time setting capabilities. Upon completion of the cooking time set by the user, the device 10 can activate an alarm and automatically display any post cooking, serving, or presentation instructions, if applicable, to the device's user. In some embodiments, at the end of the instructional programs for a particular recipe, the device 10 display the total time to prepare the recipe and prompt the user to store the recipe in the device 10 memory with actual time requirements for future use.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the device described herein can have commercial capabilities for professional chefs to input unique recipes so as to allow any restaurant in the world possessing the same device to receive the recipes and preparation instructions so as to be able to duplicate the recipe exactly at their own location.

However, the device 10 described herein also can have residential capabilities as a device 10 that can be utilized for family recipe database storage, as well as for transmission and retrieval capabilities to any household kitchen at any location in the world possessing the same kitchen device 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 - 28, other embodiments of a system in accordance with the present disclosure are illustrated. For instance, FIG.9 illustrates one embodiment of a display 50 used in connection with a system of the present disclosure.

The display 50 has various options which can be selected from a main command screen 52 including Nationally Recognized Recipes 60, Family Recipes 62, Sportsman Recipes 64, Cocktails 66, Catering Fine Dining 68, Special Occasions 70, Market Fresh Shopping 72, Shopping List 74, Tutorial 76, Phone Book 78, Appointment Calendar 80, and Messages 82. In addition, date and time information 84, weather information 86, and advertising information 88 can be located on the display 50. With reference to FIG. 10, a command screen Recipes 90 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is presented. Such a screen provides an illustration of possible appearance of a screen when Nationally Recognized Recipes 60, Family Recipes 62, or Sportsman Recipes 64 is selected. Without limitation, Recipes 90 can include appetizers, main courses 92, side dishes, soups, salads, breads, desserts, beverages, heart healthy, breakfasts, future chefs, recipe box, and the like, which, when selected, lead to recipes that relate to the category selected.

For example, with reference to FIGS. 10 - 16, if the Main Courses 92 command screen is selected, various possible items that could serve as the main course of a meal are presented. Basics 94 can be selected and a command screen of Basic recipes is presented. If the Baked Rigatoni 96 command screen is selected, the display presents a recipe for Baked Rigatoni 98.

Serving quantities can be adjusted and the ingredients will be recalculated automatically by the system. For instance, FIG. 13 depicts recipe ingredients for four servings while FIG. 14 depicts recipe ingredients for 8 servings of the recipe illustrated.

In addition, recipe information can be printed or added to the recipe box stored on the device. The system can recommend side dishes or beverages that would be a suitable accompaniment to the recipe selected. A glossary and tutorial are also provided for convenience.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, step by step directions can be provided to prepare the recipe desired. Such directions can be modified by the system according to the number of servings selected. With reference to FIG. 17 - 19, if the Cocktails 66 command screen is selected, various possible items that could serve as cocktails can be presented. Once again, ingredients and directions are also presented and serving quantities can be adjusted.

With respect to FIGS. 20 - 23, various items can be ordered via the Internet or the like when the Catering Fine Dining 68, Special Occasions 70, or Market Fresh Shopping 72 command screen is selected. Such items can be added to a shopping cart and purchased using methods known in the art.

FIG. 24 depicts a shopping list 74 which allows for items to be added to a list for printing to assist with shopping. FIG. 25 illustrates various tutorial options 76.

FIGS. 26 - 28 illustrate additional functionality incorporated in the systems of the present disclosure. A Phone Book 78, Appointment Calendar 80, and Message Center 82 are included to add to the functionality of the systems and methods of the present disclosure. Such additional items can be implemented with methods as would be well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

These and other modifications and variations to the present disclosure may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the disclosure so further described in such appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of providing dynamic recipe information comprising: receiving a request from an input device to access recipe information; retrieving a recipe from a data storage device based upon said request, said recipe comprising an ideal serving size, one or more recipe instructions, and one or more ingredients, said ingredients including one or more quantities associated with said ingredients; calculating values for said quantities associated with said ingredients based upon an actual serving size, said calculations performed by a processing unit in communication with said data storage device and said input device; displaying said values for said quantities of ingredients based upon said actual serving size on a display device.

2. A method as in claim 1, further comprising adjusting said recipe instructions based upon said actual serving size, said adjustments performed by said processing unit.

3. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising identifying action words in said recipe instructions, said identification performed by said processing unit; displaying said recipe instructions sequentially on said display device based upon said action words.

4. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising displaying said recipe instructions sequentially on said display device.

5. A method as in claim 1 , wherein said recipe is for food preparation.

6. A method as in claim 1 , wherein said recipe is for drink preparation.

7. A method as in claim 4, further comprising: receiving a second request from said input device to access recipe information; retrieving a second recipe from said data storage device based upon said second request; displaying said second recipe simultaneously with said recipe instructions on said display device.

8. A method as in claim 7, wherein said second recipe comprises an ideal serving size, one or more recipe instructions, and one or more ingredients, said ingredients including one or more quantities associated with said ingredients.

9. A method as in claim 1 , wherein said processing unit and said data storage device are in communication with one another via the Internet.

10. A method as in claim 10, further comprising ordering one or more said ingredients from a provider via the Internet.

11. A system for providing dynamic recipe information comprising: a) a recipe information database comprising one or more recipes, said recipes comprising an ideal serving size, one or more recipe instructions, and one or more ingredients, said ingredients including one or more quantities associated with said ingredients; and b) an apparatus, said apparatus in communication with said recipe information database, said apparatus comprising an input device, a processing unit, and a display device, said apparatus operable to: i) receive a request to access recipe information; ii) retrieve from said recipe information database a recipe based upon said request; iii) calculate values for said quantities associated with said ingredients based upon an actual serving size; and iv) display said values for said quantities of ingredients based upon said actual serving size.

12. A system as in claim 11 , wherein said input device comprises a touchscreen panel.

13. A system as in claim 11 , wherein said display device comprises a liquid crystal display.

14. A system as in claim 11 , wherein said processing unit comprises a microprocessor chip.

15. A system as in claim 11 , wherein said recipe information database is in communication with said apparatus via the Internet.

16. A system as in claim 15, wherein said apparatus is further operable to order one or more said ingredients from a provider via the Internet.

17. A system as in claim 11 , wherein said apparatus is further operable to adjust said recipe instructions based upon said actual serving size.

18. A system as in claim 11 , wherein said apparatus is further operable to display said recipe instructions sequentially.

19. A system as in claim 11 , wherein said recipe is for food preparation.

20. A system as in claim 11 , wherein said recipe is for drink preparation.