Some people like cooking, and if you're reading this article, you probably do too. However, it's not so easy to have the time it takes to prepare a good meal. Throw in the time you need to get the ingredients and it's something hard to do. Fortunately, there's a new game from Nintendo that will let you prepare your meals anywhere. It's called Cooking Mama.

Cooking Mama is one of the most fun games for Nintendo's latest portable video game console, the DS. You take the role of a chef and try to prepare several dishes, according to “Mama's” recipes. The game is unique in the sense that you don't press any buttons at all. Instead, you use the DS's touch screen and the stylus to imitate cooking movements. For example, if you want to chop something, you tap on the screen each time to cut a slice or a piece off. If you want to stir something, you make circles with the stylus. You can even cool something with your breath by blowing on the microphone.

There are 15 basic recipes you start with, but completing them unlocks over 70. Dishes come from all the world, so there's something for everyone. Don't be surprised if you get hungry after a bit of playing.

Casual Players and Hardcore Players.
One of the great things about this game is that it appeals to both casual and hardcore players. People who don't normally play videogames aren't much keen to play games that require pressing one of 6 buttons to throw a punch. It isn't natural to them. But since the stylus reflects the actual movement (for example, chopping from the top to the bottom) it feels much more normal to them. Also, there isn't a “game over” screen. If your performance isn't that great, “Mama” fixes it so you move on. This way anyone can go through the end of each recipe.

For the hardcore games, the game evaluates your performance and gives you a medal based on your performance. While anyone can finish a recipe, it takes great skill to get a medal gold.

Other Cooking Games
If you don't have a DS, you can still play cooking games on your PC. There are many games related to cooking on hundreds of sites. One of such games is called Better Barbecue Challenge. In this game, there is some meat on a grill and you need to cook it from both sides. If you turn it over too early, it'll be too raw. If you turn it over too late, it'll burn. It's not as simple as it seems, which allows for a fun challenge. One of such games is called Better Barbecue Challenge. In this game, there is some meat on a grill and you need to cook it from both sides. If you turn it over too early, it'll be too raw. If you turn it over too late, it'll burn. It's not as simple as it seems, which allows for a fun challenge.

So, as you can see, there are many options on both consoles and Internet for you to practice your culinary skills. Some of them are simple, and some are complex enough that they'll make you want to try them out in your real life kitchen.