Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

For those that have MC 8, this new version only adds a few recipes and a some bug fixes...there are no new features from MC 8. I upgraded anyway and am happy with it. BUT, if you have MC 7 or before, this version is for you! I've been using Mastercook since version 4 and with the change of ownership it had from Sierra to ValuSoft. I figured Version 6.2 would be the end of the line....but thankfully not..it's up to Version 9 now! Each version release of MC continues to evolves it and keep it the best possible cooking/planning software on the planet. MC just keeps getting better. The basics-it comes with a standard set of cookbooks and an increased ingredient list of 7000 items, a place to create a meal plan and shopping list manually or automatically while giving you options on how to import(webImport/email/copy,paste) as well as export(email, printing, copy,paste recipes. It interacts with both Palm/PocketPC to download recipes and grocery lists for swapping or easy list check-off at the grocery store. The WebImport bar makes it easy to import recipes you find on websites by a highlight and click process that works only in Internet Explorer...but it drastically reduces input time versus typing is all in. While MC 9 comes with a few cookbooks, the web awaits you. There are literally thousands of websites that not only have recipes to download, but whole cookbooks full of recipes...all for FREE. The forums and newsgroups abound in Q&A help and how-to's in better understanding how to use MC. The interface is clean and sharp...doesn't look like a Win 3.1 interface but not quite XP. It will take time to learn all of the secrets of using Mastercook, but the HELP section is in the program with a PDF you can print that is a step-by-step guide. What a nice touch. This program is great for those on diet plans, as you can make menu plans, shopping lists and search for foods with specific needs(calories, carbs, fat, fiber, etc.). In conclusion, the planning and shopping lists have saved my family money and time in not buying what we don't need and letting us know what's for dinner without having to go and search for food. 15-20 minutes of planning on a Saturday will take care of planning for the whole week. Thanks to Mastercook!