QUESTION:

Dan, good morning! I have been a Cook'n user for years and years (back when it was on CD) and LOVE it. I have recommended it to so many. I was number 16 on the leader board for months, until a few days ago, but somehow my name got dropped - I do not care, I still use it every day and don't need a number to tell me! Anyway, only wanted just to say that so you would know that I use Cook'n every day!

I have sent this suggestion in before, but this time I am sending it to YOU because I really think your customers would appreciate it. I know Cook'n is always looking to make the program better and I truly believe a lot of folks would love this idea.

I will try a recipe for the first time and notice that something needs to be changed. So, I want to make a note such as:

"Try increasing salt to 1/2 teaspoon next time"

or "Try baking in 9x9x2" rather than 9x13x2" - too thin"

or "Took to Allen's Thanksgiving 2022"

or "Used on the Cookie/Candy Plates for 2021"

or "Try cocoa powder rather than baking chocolate next time"

But I do NOT want to change the recipe until I have actually tried the change AND I do not want to forget what I needed to do differently the next time I make the recipe!!

At the same time, I do not want these "notes" to be printed out in case someone asks me for the recipe (which happens often). I want those notes to be for my eyes only! Every time, I have to go into the recipe and delete "my notes", print the recipe, and then add the notes back - so I won't forget the next time I make it or get ready to decide what dish to take to Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. so I do not take the same thing as last year!

The reason I am again making this suggestion is that I am a Registered Dietitian and have used many recipe programs - and know this is possible. (Just retired after 46 years as an RD and use your program even more!). The program that I used before had that option and it was wonderful! It had a tab you clicked on to make "notes", but it would not print out if you printed the recipe. I would think a tab could be added where you could write notes and then choose to print or not print in the settings located in printing. I am certainly not a tech person but it sure worked great in the other program. Because you have choices in settings for printing or not printing things (such as print images, remove extra recipe details, etc.), I am thinking this might be an easy field to add and then allow the choice to print or not. BUT, you really could just make it where it DOES NOT PRINT at all if that makes it easier. You really would not need to unless you wanted a printed copy in your printed cookbook.

Just wanted to try to get this to you, Dan, in case you did not see it before. You may think it is silly or not worth doing, but please ask others. I am getting ready for July 4th and now can't remember what I cooked last year or the year before - if I had "notes" (only for me), I would be able to see if I made something I am thinking of cooking and would also see any random notes (only for me) to tell me what to try differently in that recipe! Thank you so much for listening to my ramblings and also for making such a wonderful product for years - one that I highly recommend to others!

Peggy Allen
Culleoka, Tennessee

---

ANSWER:

What a joy it was to read your message! Thank you for being with us since the CD days and for recommending Cook’n to so many others. And #16 on the leaderboard for months… that’s amazing! I love your attitude too... using Cook’n every day because you love it, not because of a number. That made my day. 😊

And thank you for taking the time to re-send this thoughtful suggestion. You described such a common real-life cooking situation perfectly: you want to jot down personal notes… but not have them appear every time you print or share the recipe. That’s a very smart workflow, and I completely agree; it’s important!

So guess what?

This feature is coming in Cook’n Version 16! Click here to watch a demo video to see this feature in action!

We’re introducing a new Private Notes section where you can record exactly those types of details — what to tweak next time, where you served it, and all the little memories and improvements that make cooking personal. These notes will be for your eyes only and will not print unless you explicitly choose to include them.


Thank you for helping make Cook’n better for everyone. We have so many passionate and brilliant home cooks in the Cook’n family, and suggestions like yours truly guide our innovation.

Wishing you a fantastic (and stress-free!) Christmas… and here’s to never wondering what you brought last year again! 🇺🇸😄

Warmly,
Dan

    Dan Oaks
    Founder of DVO Enterprises
    Creator of Cook'n
    Grandfather of 4. Father of 5. Husband of 1.
    Monthly Newsletter Contributor since 2024
    Email the author! dan@dvo.com