Like with any dedicated use of an iPad, it's best to clear the device of anything that won't be useful to you in that particular setting. For kitchen use, you might consider clearing out your email settings, games, and non-food related media and apps. You'll be able to focus on exactly what you need from your iPad while you're in the kitchen.

There are plenty of visually pleasing and interactive cookbook apps, such as , , and . The original app for the iPhone featuring celebrity chef Jamie Oliver for its meticulous organization two years ago, and the iPad-optimized follow-up----is available as a free download. (You buy content packs of recipes through an in-app purchase.) also has an eye for the visual: The free app features video recipes, so you can see exactly how a dish should be prepared. (Again, you purchase recipe packs from within the app.) , recently updated for the new iPad's Retina display, is a must-have for anyone who enjoys baking. But may take the most clever approach for a dedicated kitchen iPad: It features simple voice controls for navigating through recipes, so you don't have to worry about dirtying up your touchscreen interface when working with raw food.

Interactive book publisher also offers a full-length interactive iPad ebook of by The Culinary Institute of America, packed with instructional videos, images, and note-sharing capabilities. While the $50 price tag is a lot steeper than cookbook apps, the book's 36 chapters cover everything from nutrition basics to braising and stewing to charcuterie.

Beyond cookbooks, there are plenty of iOS offerings that can help you manage your food, shopping lists, and personal recipes. If you find that you're fridge and pantry get overstocked with old produce and snacks, both the and apps can help you keep track of when you need to toss out your food. (Both of these apps are iPhone apps that run on the iPad, though they will not be optimized for the tablet's screen.)