FIGURE B


You can search for specific words in specific fields. Roll over picture for a larger image.

The advanced search dialog box allows you to search in up to three fields, as shown in Figure D.

FIGURE D


Advanced search allows you to search in up to three fields. Roll over picture for a larger image.

PxShoppingList
PxShoppingList is a list of items to be purchased. Each item is a separate record with five possible fields to be filled in:

• Purchased: can be checked when the item is purchased;

• Item: the name of the item;

• Section: where in the store can you find the item;

• Essential: notes an item that you purchase often;

• Store types: drugstore, grocery, hardware, other, pet store, superstore, unfiled. At the bottom of the left-hand side of the screen, you can select the store types and only see those items associated with that particular store type.

Items can be added to the shopping list in one of two ways: by clicking on the New button at the bottom of the screen or by selecting add to PxShoppingList from the Record menu. The left side of the screen can be customized in the same way as the recipe databases. Up to five columns can be created and each column can either be unsorted or sorted in ascending or descending order. As an item is purchased, click in the purchased box, and the item is moved to the end of the list, leaving only those items that still need to be purchased. Personally, I like this column. It is so frustrating to be standing in the middle of the grocery store with no pencil trying to figure out what items are still needed. Ugh!

There are also menu options that allow you to either delete the shopping list, delete purchased items, or delete non-essential items. This gives you flexibility.

PxConversions
Did you know that half a cup equals eight tablespoons? PxConversions contains a list of common conversions to use in recipe preparation. New conversions can be added by selecting New Record from the Record menu; Control-N on the keyboard; or by clicking the New button on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.

PxNutritionInfo
This database lists nutritional information for specific ingredients. In addition to the serving size, the nutritional information includes facts such as percent of water, calories, protein, fat, saturated fat, unsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and the vitamin content.

The amount of information is overwhelming, but I found it useful in selecting low carbohydrate snacks. This is a feature that could be critical to people with special medical needs, such as diabetics.

PxSubsandEquivs
One of my many downfalls is not checking to see which ingredients I have on hand prior to cooking. Therefore, while I'm already in the process of cooking, lo and behold, I realize that I have no lemon juice. A quick check shows me that I could use half a teaspoon vinegar instead of half a teaspoon lemon juice. Not bad. And Rob, my husband, never has to know that, once again, I did not plan ahead! For each item in the database, up to seven equivalents can be listed. When I make chili, I usually use canned beans. If a recipe calls for one and a half cups uncooked beans, I can substitute nine cups of canned beans. That's good information! New substitutions and equivalents can be added as well.