I love cooking. Spending time in my kitchen is my escape from this crazy life. I also enjoy learning how to cook and hope one day I have a few sous chefs of my own so I can pass on my cooking knowledge.
I also enjoy video games. I kick serious butt in Madden and can hold my own in Guitar Hero.
But I never thought these two worlds would mesh.
Food Network, one of my favorite television networks, is releasing Cook or Be Cooked for the Wii. The game features cooking instructions and techniques. Players can use the Wii remote to use appliances, utensils to create dishes. Completing challenges will unlock harder recipies.
Their food will be judged by Food Network officials, one of which is a cartoon version of Susie Fogelson (I can’t even stand the real life version).
Basically Sally’s mother doesn’t have to teach her how to cook. She can make a boxed meal while Sally dishes up a gourmet feast sitting in front of the television.
There are plenty of video games that make sense. Exercising with a video game has even peaked my interest.
But cooking isn’t something you can learn by simulating breaking eggs and stirring a batter. You can’t smell the aroma of a roast simmering in the over or steak sizzling on a grill.
If you are a novice cook and want to learn some new techniques watch Food TV or take a cooking class.
Maybe I am naive, but in a world where some of the greatest recipes and techniques have been set aside for boxed meals, I worry that this will not encourage new cooks try making items from scratch.
Please, let’s leave tackling, jamming and blowing things up for the video games and cooking for the kitchen.
(I welcome any comments, suggestions and criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
I agree with you Michelle. Doesn’t Wii have enough different “game” angles without going to food? I Love to cook and would much rather spend my time (extra or not) in the kitchen whipping up real meals.