Stuff We Like: 5 Free Cooking Apps for Kids

As cooking shows on the Food Network gain popularity and more and more celebrity chefs become household names, it’s no surprise that kids across the country are suddenly fascinated with baking goodies in the kitchen. Making culinary creations together is a great way to bond with your child, but when Mom and Dad aren't around, kids can use their imaginations to create some delish digital treats. Cooking in cyberspace is a fun and safe way for kids to satisfy that urge to be creative in the kitchen – without setting off the smoke alarm. So what are the best phone apps for young, aspiring chefs? Your kids can channel their inner Marcus Samuelsson or Alex Guarnaschelli with these five free cooking apps for the iPhone.

Pizza Crazy Chef by TabTale What kid doesn’t love pizza? This creative app (now the No. 1 downloaded kids' app for the iPad) from TabTale taps into that insatiable enthusiasm for everyone’s favorite food. Put on your apron and get baking! Make the digital dough, create the sauce, and then go crazy with toppings. Choose from more than 100 toppings ranging from tried-and-true to downright wacky. Bake your creation, slice the pizza pie in your own pizza shop, box it up, and send it for delivery. Or sit back and eat your pizza creation after setting the table with a variety of colorful napkins, drinks, and straws. Want to share a photo of your pizza pie? You can serve it up and send it on to your family and friends.

Chinese Food! by Crazy Cats Wok on over to your mobile device and break out the chopsticks. We love this Chinese food app because you can fry your own noodles and rice and create the dishes you love. Customize your own Chinese dishes, create your own crazy fortune cookies, and even share your creations in classic Chinese take-out containers. This app is almost as good as your favorite local Chinese food joint.