Cooking Times 4+

Last June I was given the opportunity to demo Taste Timer before the app was available on the iTunes store. I host a bi-weekly tea tasting program at Zingerman’s Deli, and the Taste Timer quickly became a fixture at all of my tastings. The app is unlike any other food based timer I’ve seen, the list of teas is comprehensive while still allowing the user control over the settings to suit their preferences. I have a tendency to forget about my tea once I’ve started steeping it, so I appreciate that the timer goes off even after the iPod has shut off.

At home I use the Taste Timer to perfectly poach eggs and to time my French press when I make coffee. I always seem to be fuzzy on the cooking times of various grains and legumes. If you don’t want to search through your cookbooks every time you want basic cooking times, this app hits the nail on the head. You’ll see the amount of research Gormaya did on perfecting this app when you see some of the more obscure timings that can be difficult to track down, from Azuki beans to Xiam Mei green tea.

I always have my iPod nearby, so its wonderful to have a back pocket resource to all of the steeping, brewing, cooking, and grilling times that I can’t fit in my headspace. If you enjoy cooking off the cuff like I do, you’ll appreciate having easy access to the basics. It has become an invaluable resource both at my tastings, and at home.

I purchased this a long time ago to keep tea recipes (ie. number of tbsp per cup, water temperature, steeping time). Tried a few other timer apps before settling on this one. It works great for me. Very satisfied, and haven't had to look for anything better.

TasteTimer is beautifully designed with graceful navigation. It is obvious that Gormaya took a lot of time to make this app's content and user interface just right. It’s a unique app that satisfies an unfilled niche by providing easy access to common (and not so common) food cook times. The only thing I wish it had is a pound-by-pound cooking guideline for the whole turkey / chicken, so I can estimate how long it will take to get that 14-pound Thanksgiving bird to 165-degrees. But hey – just maybe – I won’t have to call my mom the next time I want to hard boil an egg!