From The Verge · Jennifer Pattison Tuohy · · 2m
NYT Cooking AI saves weeknight chicken but risks cake
NYT Cooking’s AI assistant fixed chicken recipe swaps but almost ruined my cake.
In brief
NYT Cooking’s AI assistant fixed chicken recipe swaps but almost ruined my cake. NYT Cooking’s AI assistant helped user adapt chicken recipes with missing ingredients but incorrectly adjusted butter for cake, risking dry results. Originally reported by The Verge.
NYT Cooking AI assistant launched
The NYT Cooking app introduced an AI assistant for recipe modifications and substitutions.
User’s weekly dinner struggle
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy tests the AI tool to solve weeknight chicken recipes with missing ingredients.
AI handles ingredient swaps
The assistant suggested using chicken tenders instead of chicken thighs for a one-pot chicken and rice recipe.
Modified chicken recipe
The AI created a new recipe with green beans and red onions instead of chard and cilantro.
AI checks spice substitutions
The assistant confirmed thai basil could replace cilantro without ruining the flavor.
AI converts measurements
The assistant changed metric weights to us measurements for a caramel apple dutch baby recipe.
AI warns about substitutions
The assistant cautioned that cayenne peppers would add significant heat to halibut dishes.
AI rejects impossible swaps
The assistant refused to use minced beef in a cinnamon roll trifle dessert.
AI vs Alexa comparison
Alexa Plus gave similar guidance but couldn’t show modified recipes or explain changes clearly.
Bundt cake to muffins
The AI converted a bundt cake recipe to 12 muffins using two 12-muffin tins.
Butter measurement error
The AI gave 6 tablespoons of butter instead of 3/4 cup for the muffin recipe.
Muffin vs cake results
Both the original cake and muffin recipes turned out great but required careful handling.
User’s overall experience
The AI assistant saved time but required double-checking measurements to avoid mistakes.
AI’s limitations
The assistant couldn’t save modified recipes separately, causing confusion during cooking.
User’s recommendation
The AI tool is useful for everyday cooking but not a complete solution for all recipes.
Final verdict
The AI assistant helped adapt recipes but risks dry results if measurements aren’t checked.
The short version
NYT Cooking’s AI assistant helped user adapt chicken recipes with missing ingredients but incorrectly adjusted butter for cake, risking dry results.
