First, when I started using Generative AI, I mainly used it to search for recipes or explain cooking techniques. But over time, I discovered another use that changed my weeknights. I opened a dedicated cooking-only chat and treated it like a kitchen assistant. This single-purpose setup made a big difference in how I plan meals and reduce waste.
The part I struggled with most was not knowing what to cook after work. I often felt overwhelmed by choices and half-used ingredients. Here, the chat helped the most. I would paste what I had at home, including rough amounts and expiry dates, and ask for options. It broke things down into clear recipes, gave prep time estimates, and prioritized items that were about to expire. The suggestions were practical and matched my skill level.
I could personalize it as much as I wanted. I shared time limits for weekdays, basic dietary preferences, and pantry staples I always have. The tool then proposed dishes that fit those constraints and adjusted portions for the number of people. It also tracked a simple inventory. If I marked spinach as expiring on the 7th, it nudged me to use it first. That alone cut my food waste.
Of course, not everything was perfect. Sometimes the plan was too optimistic, asking for more prep or specialty spices than I had. When that happened, I trimmed the steps or swapped ingredients with its help. If I forgot to update the inventory, suggestions drifted. That is on me.
In addition, the chat was useful while cooking. It summarized steps into short instructions, highlighted times and temperatures, and offered quick fixes when I messed up a sauce or overcooked rice.
Overall, the cooking-only chat gave me a clear starting point every evening. It turned a messy fridge into a plan, made shopping lists realistic, and kept dinner stress low. This clarity made cooking feel manageable and even enjoyable.
