CNNdotCOM Tools: Cooking online

Chef Scott Wilson

(CNN) -- The latest in kitchen appliances won't puree your ingredients, but it will take up more counter space. Web-connected personal computers are quickly becoming a common kitchen tool, and Chef Scott Wilson is thankful for the Web sites that make it possible.

"It could be your actual cookbook, with the screen right there where you can prepare things," Wilson said. "The great thing is if you happen to be out of an ingredient ... no disaster."

Just visit FoodTV.com and click on the Substitutions link. You'll find you can substitute milk in a cream sauce with yogurt, sour cream or buttermilk.

As a professional chef, Wilson favors Epicurious for diverse recipes like diabetic, low-fat and vegetarian. The site also makes suggestions based on the ingredients you have on hand. Submit a list, view the recipes and store them in your own recipe box on the site.

QUICKVOTE Where do you go for recipes? a. Internet b. books, magazines c. friends, family d. other View Results

If you need a real recipe box or any other cooking equipment, Wilson recommends Chef's. Armed with a variety of brands, the site has good customer service, reasonable prices and quick delivery.

Can't find an ingredient in your neighborhood grocery store? Visit EthnicGrocer.com, which offers every type of country or ethnic food you might need, including Asian, Indonesian, Indian, Chinese and Japanese. To keep your ingredients simple, Allrecipes provides meals with limited ingredients and a special section called Holiday Recipes.

Finally, if you're more inspired by cooking gadgets than by cooking itself, hire someone to do it for you. The United States Personal Chef's Association site will direct you to a chef in your city and state.

CNNdotCOM Correspondent Mary Kathleen Flynn contributed to this report

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Chef's
Epicurious
EthnicGrocer.com
FoodTV.com
United States Personal Chef Association
Allrecipes
IDG coverage

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