I really like this porgram, I have been using it for many years - although I am waiting to download this newest version as I am not sure if I will have to pay again or not. One criticism though: when making a cook book, I find that the index is pretty well useless, as it lists all the ingredients, but NOT the recipes names... If anyone has figured this out, please let me know. That would make ti the perfect program for me.

First My review is primarily about the syncing capabilities of this software. And understand I purchased the software based on its ability to sync with my iPad and iPhone. And originally it did sync via wifi, albeit with some issue, it did sync.

But for the last few months, Mariner has dropped the ball big on this software! First of all the desktop version is the best recipe software I've found and I've tried them all. I love the way the nutritional database incorporates and am not so turned off by the aesthetics as some. I do share some of the concerns expressed here about the lack of consistency of web recipe captures but that is not my biggest concern.

The integration with the iPad app is non existent moving as rapidly as possible in the wrong direction. Mariner dose not make the iPad/iPhone software and as usual in these cases you get the big pointed finger from both developers telling you it's the others fault that the only way you can get info form one to the other is cutting and pasting (file transfer via iTunes). The problem is that is not what I bought.

The program, as far as syncing goes, has taken a giant step backward. And comments from a developer about how difficult it is and how much time he spends is unwelcome when referring to a $55.00 set of software that no longer does what it did when you purchased it and now Mariner says talk to the other folks and they don't talk!!! The lack of movement on this has me ready to look else where for a recipe management tool. And if it comes to that I would never purchase another Mariner product.

Mariner, you need to take responsibility and fix this. You allow them to use the "MacGourmet" name leading unsuspecting buyers to purchase believing they are buying a software "set" that should work together. Yes I saw that the software was not made by Mariner, but a quick check of Mariners web site has links pointing you to the mobile software.

Where is the disclaimer that clearly states the mobile software may or may not work with our product and we will not support the mobile software we encourage you to buy by advertising it on our site and allowing it to have the same name. All the links and dialog boxes in the desktop version designed to interact with the mobile version are still there they just don't do anything or are greyed out.

The lack of real mobile support leaves a hole in this product!!! And the failure of Mariner to take some action/responsibility is even worse. This is an expensive product and the developers lack of concern about this gapping hole makes it an expensive product with fewer features than many of it's competitors for those who have a need for the convienent syncing capabilities.

As it stands I have to update the main database, hard quit the iPad version / or reset my iPad, locate my database, copy it to iTunes and then sync my entire iPad to update a single recipe for a set of Apps I paid $55.00 for??? Or I guess I could just print off the recipe and take the paper to the kitchen, but wait isn't that what I paid the $55.00 to not have to do??

Is this what you had in mind Mariner??? The low rating is primarily because no matter how good it is I should not be tethered to my desktop when trying to use a cookbook with an iPad / iPhone app. I know some will say just take a laptop to the kitchen but then I should not have had to pay for the mobile version if that is the solution.

The one that shipped with the bundle - which wasn't THAT long ago was version 1.0.5 - now it's 3.1.1.

It's a paid upgrade for $25 - which means to me they threw it in the bundle just before they updated the version..

Anyway, with programs like souschef not costing an arm and a leg, and standing by their bundle buyers - I can't see giving Mariner any more money.. plus they spam like there's no tomorrow. I think I have clicked unsubscribe to their emails 100 times now.

I can only base a review on the old version, which wasn't very good.. maybe this one is better - but at this price - I'll never know.

That said, it may well be worth it, and people deserve to get paid.. but printing some out and binding them is virtually free.. I make my own grocery lists anyway, and don't make foods that are high in calories and fat.. so I guess I'm not the target audience as this seems to be more work than benefit.

The best there is! Easy to import recipe files from the internet. Smart folders are great. Searches are easy. MGD even compiles a shopping list for you based on the recipes you have planned! A real time saver. Especially I like the ability for full screen viewing so that I can read the recipe from halfway across the room.

I enjoy this application. It is easy to use and very efficient with all the plugins in one deluxe edition. This along with the iphone app make culinary life virtually effortless. My one suggestion is to allow some slight customization with the list and wizards. For example, I don't care so much about wine; however, I do use a beer journal. In fact, i'm currently using "My Wine Notes" as my beer journal. My only complaint is the simple fact that it looks weird when it's labeled "Winery" instead of brewery" or "Wine Notes" instead of Beer Notes. If there is any way that you will allow optional customization of this section in a future release, I would be very grateful. Congratulations on a very useful app.

You cannot download the update because www.marinersoftware.com is not available. I've purchased for this software and I would iike to get the updates.