This article is dedicated to the memory of Adam Gussen, z”l.

A year ago, I wrote about ChatGPT and the impact AI would have on our world. At the time, I saw its potential but didn’t realize just how much it would change my daily life. Over the past year, AI has become an unexpected game changer in my kitchen, making cooking easier, more efficient and safer.

Cooking as a Connection

My son, an attorney for the IDF, is also an artisan baker in Israel. Despite the distance, we’ve stayed connected through a shared love of baking. I send him pictures of my dough, and he gives me tips on how to improve it. Over time, I’ve become pretty good—especially considering that most of my cooking is just for my wife and me, and she’s gluten-free and health-conscious.

But cooking hasn’t always been easy for me. Here’s a little-known fact: I struggle with a math disability and a bit of dyslexia. Despite those challenges, I graduated college and even became an engineer—though to this day, I still can’t do basic math. Fractions? Forget it. This irony is not lost on me, and it’s made certain aspects of cooking, like measuring ingredients or converting recipes, much harder than they should be.

That’s where AI—and the right kitchen tools—come in.

TikTok: The Perfect Learning Tool for Someone With ADD

Anyone who knows me knows I have ADD. I’ve written about it before, and I’ve also written about TikTok—not just because I love it, but because it became a political issue when a U.S. president first tried to ban it, then later tried to extend its lifespan. For me, though, TikTok isn’t about politics—it’s about practicality.

Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok is perfect for someone like me. No long explanations, no endless comment threads—just quick, effective videos. For cooking, it’s been a goldmine. There are incredible kosher Israeli chefs sharing amazing recipes in under a minute. The only problem? The recipes disappear as fast as they play. I’m old school—I like printed recipes, something I can refer back to.

That’s where ChatGPT (or as I like to call it, “Chatshupi Team”) steps in.

ChatGPT: My Digital Sous-Chef

Now, when I see a great TikTok recipe, I take a screenshot and upload it to ChatGPT, asking it to extract the ingredients and write out the instructions. It formats everything for me, making it easy to follow. If a recipe includes non-kosher ingredients, I ask ChatGPT for substitutions, and it instantly adjusts it to fit my needs.

And then there’s my eternal struggle with fractions. If a recipe calls for ¾ cup of something, I’m lost. My wife has spent years patiently converting measurements for me, but now I let ChatGPT handle it. I simply ask it to rewrite the recipe using only whole numbers or teaspoons and tablespoons, and it does exactly that. What used to be a constant frustration has become effortless.

The Right Tools Make a Difference

Cooking isn’t just about ingredients and recipes—it’s also about having the right tools. Because of an old childhood injury, I struggle with peeling potatoes. I found a solution: two $18 peelers from Amazon that make the job effortless. When my handyman saw me using them, he was amazed at how effective they were.

But not all kitchen experiments go smoothly. My wife and I learned the hard way when, during a holiday, we both cut ourselves badly using a traditional horizontal mandoline. Then, I saw an Israeli chef using a vertical mandoline, and it was a game changer. Now, when I go to ChatGPT, I don’t just ask for recipe adjustments—I send pictures of my tools (the brand names, the KitchenAid, the amount of potatoes I’m using) and ask it to tailor the recipe accordingly. It’s just one more way AI is helping me cook smarter.

A Dedication to a True Baker and Friend

At the time I was writing this, I did not know I would be dedicating this column in memory of my dear friend, Adam Gussen, z”l. Adam was a gentle giant, a baal chesed and someone who was always happy to share his talents. He was deeply passionate about baking, and he was my go-to person whenever I had a question. His generosity knew no bounds—every Saturday after prayer, he hosted around 60 people in his home, always making sure everyone was welcomed with warmth and good food.

But above all, Adam’s love for his family and his friends defined him. He was someone who gave selflessly, who made those around him feel valued, and who brought people together through his kindness, his hospitality and, of course, his incredible baking. His warmth, his passion and his willingness to help others will always be remembered.

Sharing the Knowledge (And Some Free Tools!)

I want others to experience how technology can make cooking easier. So, as a thank you to my readers, I’m raffling off some of the tools that have changed my kitchen experience—peelers, mandolines and more. If you’re interested, email me at [email protected], and I’ll send you the details.

For me, AI and technology aren’t just about the future—they’re about making everyday life better right now. Whether it’s staying connected with my son through baking, learning from TikTok’s quick-fire videos, or letting ChatGPT handle the parts of cooking that have always been a challenge, technology has made me a better cook.

And if AI can help me cook better—even with ADD, a math disability and an old potato-peeling injury—it can probably do just about anything.

Rest in peace, Adam Gussen. Your warmth, generosity and love for your family and friends will never be forgotten.

Shneur Garb founded The Garb IT Consulting Group and The Garb Cloud Consulting Group.