That is what everyone says when my 4 year old daughter leads the curious to show them her newest game for our computer. She simply asks, "Do you want to see my new Easy Bake Oven?" and because we don't own the "real" thing yet (I think she's a little young, the recommended age for it is 8 and over), she thinks this *is* the real thing. But, to the ignorant, they think they are about to be shown the same classic oven that's been around for decades, until they are led to the computer. That's when they stand there dumbfounded wondering how this can be done!?

The Easy Bake Kitchen comes with not only a CD-Rom, but it comes with a playset that straps onto your keyboard. The playset is a mini kitchen with a bowl, a mixer positioned above it, an egg and a measuring cup sitting on the bowls rim, an oven door with a dial below it, a rolling pin that you use to "roll out" a lump of dough, a knife (dull and unremovable), and an icing bag for decorating.

After you've inserted the CD and (easily) set and strapped the playset onto the keyboard, you're ready to begin! The game always asks you if you want to be shown how to use the playset. If you're confident with it's use, choose "no" and choose a playmate (there are 5) to help you get around. When you move the objects on the playset (such as the mixer, for example), a key on the keyboard below is pressed to control the on-screen activity. The game selections are as follows:

Recipes: Follow directions to making numerous real recipes. Children follow the steps from mixing and baking to decorating. Choose from cakes, cookies, pies, brownies, soft pretzels, gingerbread houses, and more (12 in all). When your child is finished with their creation, you can set the finished product on the shelf or print it for showing off. If you choose to print it out, you can print it colored in as it was decorated, or all white with black outlines for your child to color it in with crayons.

Hey moms! You can really make these goodies in YOUR kitchen. Choose print and file these recipes in your box.

Make Your Own Creations: Your child can get as creative as he or she wants while they choose wacky ingredients and do their own thing in the kitchen without the slightest bit of help or instructions. They are in charge! My kids just love telling me they've put a sneaker into their cake mix!

Tea Party: Have your child host their own tea party. First, of course, you fill out invitations. Have your child choose which invitation they like best, then they can print out their creation. Next, they select a few friends for the gala (you choose from the characters), and have them partake in the masterpieces your child previously made from the kitchen. A "picture" will be taken at each party for a keepsake.

Games: There are 4 ingenious games to play that are somewhat challenging for your young cook: The Gingerbread Race, Escaped Cookie Dough, Decorating Bonanza and the Cookie Icing Game. One of my daughters favorite games is a time tested bake off against the current champ. She is easily beat, and my daughter thoroughly enjoys winning, but I'm sure in time she'll come to realize that it's not much of a challenging game at all and will tire of it. On the other hand, the Gingerbread Race gets harder and harder each time you advance to a new level, keeping the challenge there.

And one last activity to mention: There are actual gift boxes that can be made by printing out what you like and folding it up to present your child's goodies. Again, you can choose to print out one that is already colored, or one that you can color in yourself.

This playset is perfect for my little girl because it works with her not-so-finely-tuned motor skills that are needed with the real Easy Bake Oven. Also, because there is no mess and no waiting, instant gratification comes to -- not the "helper" -- the one in charge in the kitchen.

It is recommended for ages 3 and up. My 4 year old daughter absolutely loves it, and her brother, 6, also enjoys playing with it. They have not yet discovered everything this game has to offer, so there are still a few surprises left for them to encounter. I am relieved that they are able to experiment in a virtual kitchen instead of wreaking havoc in mine :)



Recommended: Yes