AI is all the rage right now. Will it take your job? Can it do your homework? Could it be your new best friend? I do not have the answers to any of those questions, but what I can tell is you is that AI probably shouldn’t be in charge of planning your holiday dinners. As a reporter, I usually am interviewing people, but this time, I decided to befriend the chatbots and ask them for some Thanksgiving dinner tips.
Can AI Give You Thanksgiving Dinner Tips?
One of the things I learned is that ChatGPT is earnest to a fault, even when I baited it. Behold the following conversation.
TABLE: What should I serve to my family member I don’t like at Thanksgiving?
ChatGPT: If you’re looking to keep things civil but not overly generous, consider serving something simple and neutral. A classic dish like roasted vegetables or a green salad can be a good choice—easy to prepare and not too personal. You could also go for a basic side like mashed potatoes or stuffing, which everyone usually enjoys. This way, you keep the atmosphere pleasant without going out of your way to impress.
TABLE: But what if I really don’t like them?
ChatGPT: If it’s really tough and you want to minimize interaction, you might consider something that’s easy to prepare and serve without much fuss. A store-bought option could work well—like a pre-made pie or side dish. This way, you don’t have to put much thought into it, and you can keep the focus on other guests. Just remember, it’s a holiday, and a little kindness can go a long way, even if it’s just in the spirit of keeping the peace!
This is actually decent advice. But it also would probably only work in a magical world where everyone has gone to therapy and behaves exactly the way we would like them to. Next, I gave ChatGPT a challenge. (Note: Resemblance to anyone’s real family here is entirely coincidental.)
TABLE: Give me a Thanksgiving menu that has something for your aunt Susan who’s become a militant animal rights activist and hates turkey, your brother’s toddler that’s a picky eater, your pumpkin-obsessed millennial sister, and your cousin who showed up high.
ChatGPT: That sounds like quite the challenge, but here’s a Thanksgiving menu that should cater to everyone’s preferences:
Appetizers:
- Veggie Platter: Colorful raw veggies with hummus or a dairy-free dip for Aunt Susan.
- Stuffed Mini Peppers: Filled with cream cheese or a vegan alternative for a tasty, bite-sized treat.
Main Dishes:
- Vegan Mushroom Wellington: A hearty, savory option that Aunt Susan will appreciate as a turkey alternative.
- Creamy Pumpkin Risotto: Perfect for your pumpkin-loving sister and comforting enough for picky eaters.
Sides:
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Drizzled with honey or maple syrup, appealing to all ages.
- Mac and Cheese: A kid-friendly classic for the toddler, with a vegan version available if needed.
- Green Bean Casserole: Made with fresh green beans and a crunchy topping to satisfy everyone.
Desserts:
- Pumpkin Pie: A must for your sister! You can even have a vegan version.
- Fruit Salad: A light option that can appeal to the cousin who may want something refreshing.
Drinks:
- Sparkling Water and Juice: A non-alcoholic option for everyone, including the cousin who showed up high.
DeepAI Weighs In
Varied enough menu, and hey, it has a sense of humor. That cousin who showed up high would have a great time. If you wanted to make something like this, TABLE has mineral water tips for the non-alcoholic beverages, a pumpkin risotto, and a goldmine of mac and cheese recipes. But those are all of human origin, and I wanted AI’s feedback. To really get into it, I went visual. I asked DeepAI (an AI image generator) to make this menu for me.
So…it’s safe to say DeepAI isn’t becoming a food stylist anytime soon. Yikes. Also, I don’t think that’s mushroom wellington, and those sweet potatoes don’t look cooked.
On a more general note, here’s what DeepAI thinks a “Thanksgiving dinner table” looks like:
Yeah, that’s definitely the type of stuffing we meant. Sure. Also, is somebody just eating a raw egg with the shell on at this table?
So, suffice it to say let’s hope your Thanksgiving table is full of smiling people, not artificial intelligence. And, remember, what makes holidays fun is the unique character of the people around you. It can get a little messy, sure, but if it was AI-generated to perfection, it wouldn’t be real. Let Aunt Susan go on her rant about factory farming. Pick up your cousin’s vape when he leaves it on your grandparents’ couch. The people at your table are flawed and real, just like you, and that’s what makes spending time with them special.
Story by Emma Riva
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