# The Verge finds NYT Cooking’s AI assistant useful, but risky for cakes

- Published: 2026-11-07T15:50:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-07T22:02:28.121Z
- Section: AI in practice
- Page: https://aidailyjournal.com/en/n/2026/11/07/the-verge-finds-nyt-cooking-s-ai-assistant-useful-but-risky-for-cakes/
- Sources: [The Verge](https://theverge.com/tech/1029489/nyt-cooking-ai-assistant-review)

## Summary

In a test by The Verge, the AI assistant built into NYT Cooking helped adapt recipes with ingredient substitutions. Initially available only to subscribers on iOS, it was trained on user comments and creates a new version of a recipe without changing the original.

When adapting a chicken-and-rice dish, the tool suggested using chicken tenders, red onion and green beans, while adjusting cooking times. The Verge found the guidance practical but noted that the system is not perfect: in another test, it nearly led the author to use half the required butter in a cake. The assistant can also handle requests such as scaling servings and making recipes vegan or gluten-free.

## Why it matters (editorial interpretation)

The test suggests that AI assistants can make recipe adaptations easier, but mistakes in quantities—especially in baking—make it important to check instructions before cooking. The tool preserves the original recipe, allowing users to compare its suggestion with the reference preparation.

_Summary written by AI Daily Journal in its own words, based on the sources above. For details, read the original articles._