ChatGPT is quickly becoming a go-to search engine for many people, with some even making decisions for them. I don’t necessarily think it’s the brain at the centre of the universe, but can it help when it comes to recipes?
I recently saw private chef Andrew Richardson on TikTok demonstrate a recipe made completely by ChatGPT for Millionaire’s shortbread. Now, I won’t lie, I was intrigued that a chef would put their faith in the hands of AI, but it was enough for me to replicate the recipe. Andrew asked AI for its absolute best recipe for the baked good.
Even Andrew admitted it wouldn’t be the recipe he’d usually follow. Whatever that actually means.
From all the ingredients, it looks similar enough to other recipes I’ve seen, given a few different measurements here and there.
The instructions are easy enough to follow, even if they tested my patience waiting for the caramel to set.
Although I think light brown soft sugar does create a richer flavour of the caramel, it can be a precarious addition.
If you’re not watching the saucepan close enough, the sugar can catch and create clumps, ultimately turning the caramel grainy.
One wrong move and the caramel could be ruined. I’ll admit I fell victim to this trap. When blending the sauce together, the sugar did create a grainier texture – more so than I would like.
I continued to simmer the caramel until it became too close to catching and burning. On the flip side, the biscuit base turned out great, even though it looked too dry before being pressed into place.
I think the amounts of flour and butter should be adjusted, just to make sure the shortbread is buttery enough. Having said that, the recipe is easy to follow.
I expected some secret ingredients to give it that extra bit of panache, but clearly Chat GPT lacks the flair and creativity of an actual chef.
In essence, AI just regurgitates information already published and rebranded as its own with a distinct lack of individuality.
When it comes to melting the chocolate, be sure not to overheat it as it can split and become grainy. I also think there could be more chocolate to create a thicker layer on top.
Leaving to set overnight, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. The layers may be slightly skewed, but for an AI-generated recipe, it certainly does the job.
It worked far better than expected, I’ll admit. And the taste? Yes, it hits the nail on the head.
Is it the most exciting and indulgent Millionaires shortbread I’ve ever eaten? No, but it certainly provides a good starting point.
Method
Preheat the oven to 170℃ (fan). Place the plain flour, sugar, salt and butter into a bowl.
Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mix resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Pour the mixture into a lined baking tin, pressing it in firmly. Once firmly in the tin, prick the biscuit base with a fork.
Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until pale and golden. Once cooked, leave to cool completely in the tin.
Meanwhile, make the caramel layer by putting the butter, sugar, golden syrup and condensed milk in a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sauce melts and blends together.
Simmer over a low heat for five to ten minutes. Pour and spread over the biscuit base. You can sprinkle some sea salt over if you want too.
Leave to set at room temperature for one to two hours. Once set, melt the dark chocolate and pour over the caramel.
Leave to set at room temperature. Once set, serve and enjoy.