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Module 2.10

Guided Challenge #2

Using the techniques we have discussed, let's apply our knowledge from this module to create a digital recipe collection.

The Task

Design a week's worth of dinner recipes that match specific dietary needs while considering ingredients, preparation time, and cooking skill level. This practical exercise will help you create personalized meal plans while practicing prompt engineering concepts. Before starting, consider your dietary requirements, time constraints, cooking expertise, and any specific preferences or restrictions.

You are welcome to use whichever LLM model that you prefer - the big three are linked on this page. Additionally, there is no single correct solution to this task - the important part of this exercise is to practice managing information effectively with the AI. While having this conversation, think about:

  • How did you establish and maintain dietary requirements?
  • Did you effectively manage context across multiple recipes?
  • How did you structure information about ingredients and preparation?
  • Were your format specifications clear and consistent?
  • How did you use the AI's responses to refine your requirements?

Success comes from comparing the AI's meal suggestions with your actual needs and preferences.

 If you find yourself stuck, or need hints, take advantage of the information below! Are you ready to test your prompt engineering skills?

Click for Hint
Are you remembering 4 core components of a prompt?
  • Purpose: Begin with clear expertise request
  • Context: Share relevant context gradually
  • Requirements: Specify your requirements
  • Output: Provide format preferences
Don't forget to refine through iteration!
Click for Hint

Have you set your purpose?

Consider specifying:
  • That you need a recipe collection
  • The primary goal (categories, meal complexity, serving sizes, etc.)
  • Organization and structure of your book
Click for Hint

Have you provided enough context?

Think about including:
  • Your main dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free, low-carb)
  • Any allergies or absolute restrictions
  • Your skill level and time constraints
  • The serving size
Click for Hint

Have you shared any examples?

Consider the following:

  • Have you seen a recipe structure that you like or that works?
  • What about the structure do you find impactful?
  • Are there any examples of what you dislike?
  • Did you explain the example or did you share it verbatim?
Remember: the more information you share with the AI, the better it will be able to respond to your request! Consider sharing as much relevant information as you can, while contextualizing it. This information can help craft a bio that is uniquely yours!
Click for Hint

Have you effectively defined the requirements?

Consider including:

  • Request specific recipe format (ingredients list, step-by-step instructions)
  • Ask for nutritional information if needed
  • Specify how detailed you want the instructions

Example Solution

Expand the box below to see how an effective conversation might flow.

Click for Hint
AI: What can I help with?  
  You: I want to design a week’s worth of vegetarian dinner recipes, but I’m not sure where to start. Can you help me figure out how to approach this?

AI: Of course! To create a personalized meal plan, let’s break this into steps. First, I need some details:

  1. Do you have specific dietary requirements (e.g., high protein, gluten-free)?

  2. How much time do you typically have to cook dinner?

  3. What is your cooking skill level?

  4. Are there any ingredients you love or want to avoid?

  5. Do you prefer certain cuisines?

Let me know, and we can refine from there.

  
 

You: Here’s what I’m thinking:

  • Dietary needs: Vegetarian and high protein.

  • Time: Meals should take no more than 45 minutes.

  • Skill level: Intermediate — I’m comfortable with basic techniques but prefer clear instructions.

  • Preferences: Avoid mushrooms and soy. I’d love a mix of cuisines to keep it interesting.

How should we start structuring this?

AI: Great input! Here’s how we can approach this:

  1. Identify protein-rich vegetarian ingredients (e.g., lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, eggs, dairy).

  2. Select a variety of cuisines to ensure diversity (e.g., Indian, Mexican, Mediterranean).

  3. Build recipes that align with your time and skill constraints.

To start, I’ll draft one day’s recipe as an example. Let me know if this format works before we expand to the full week. Here’s an option:

Example Recipe: Lentil & Spinach Dal with Basmati Rice

  • Main Ingredients: Red lentils, spinach, coconut milk, basmati rice, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin.

  • Preparation Instructions:

    1. Rinse 1 cup of lentils and cook them in 2 cups of water until soft.

    2. Sauté minced garlic, ginger, and spices in a pan with oil.

    3. Add cooked lentils, coconut milk, and spinach. Simmer for 10 minutes.

    4. Serve over cooked basmati rice.

Does this recipe and format work for you? Any adjustments before I proceed?

  
 

You: The format works, but I’d like to include tips for saving time on prep. Also, can you suggest a complementary side dish for this meal?
AI: Got it! I’ll include prep tips and suggest sides. Here’s the revised recipe:

Revised Recipe: Lentil & Spinach Dal with Basmati Rice

  • Main Ingredients: Red lentils, spinach, coconut milk, basmati rice, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin.

  • Preparation Tips:

    • Cook a large batch of lentils at the start of the week and refrigerate portions.

    • Pre-chop garlic and ginger and store them in an airtight container.

  • Preparation Instructions:

    1. Rinse 1 cup of lentils and cook them in 2 cups of water until soft.

    2. Sauté minced garlic, ginger, and spices in a pan with oil.

    3. Add cooked lentils, coconut milk, and spinach. Simmer for 10 minutes.

    4. Serve over cooked basmati rice.

  • Suggested Side Dish: Cucumber and yogurt raita for a refreshing contrast.

Does this meet your needs? Once we confirm, I’ll design more recipes following this template.

  
 

You: This is perfect! Let’s expand it to the full week, but I’d like to ensure that the cuisines are evenly distributed. Can we also add a “prep ahead” section for each recipe to streamline weekday cooking?
AI: Absolutely. I’ll balance the cuisines and include a "Prep Ahead" section for each recipe. Here’s the updated weekly menu:

Monday: Lentil & Spinach Dal with Basmati Rice

  • Main Ingredients: Red lentils, spinach, coconut milk, basmati rice, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin.

  • Prep Ahead: Cook lentils and store in the fridge; pre-chop garlic and ginger.

  • Preparation Instructions:

    1. Rinse 1 cup of lentils and cook them in 2 cups of water until soft.

    2. Sauté minced garlic, ginger, and spices in a pan with oil.

    3. Add cooked lentils, coconut milk, and spinach. Simmer for 10 minutes.

    4. Serve over cooked basmati rice.

  • Suggested Side Dish: Cucumber and yogurt raita.

[rest of menu continues]

How's this version? Do you need any additional edits?		  
  You: This looks fantastic! Let’s continue building the rest of the week. Could you ensure the Thursday and Friday recipes include vegetables I might already have on hand from earlier in the week?

AI: Certainly! Here's the updated meal plan for the week:

[updated meal plan]

Do you have any other requests?

  
  You: Nope - this is perfect and captures everything I wanted to have. Thank you!
AI: You're most welcome! Enjoy your meal plan. Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help you.  

 

Putting It All Together

Now that you've had some time to practice, let's recap what we've learned over the course of the module!

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