> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.cookbookmanager.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# What can I do with Ask CookBook?

| **Quick answer:** Ask CookBook can help with cooking questions, recipe ideas, ingredient swaps, meal planning, recipe-specific help, and AI-powered recipe variations. You can open it from the Home tab, from a recipe's More menu, or while editing a recipe.

# Open Ask CookBook from the Home tab

Use this when you want general cooking help, recipe ideas, meal planning, or help with ingredients without starting from a specific recipe.

1. Go to the **Home** tab.
2. Tap the **Ask CookBook** button (floating stars icon in the bottom right corner).
3. Choose **Choose a recipe**, **Add an image**, or **Just chat**.
4. Type your question, upload or snap an image, or choose one of the suggested ideas.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/e/8/1/e/e81e5022fc484800/ask-cookbook_15s17yz.png =400x870)

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# Ask CookBook about a recipe

Use this when you want help with the recipe you are currently viewing. Ask CookBook can use that recipe as context, so you can ask for ideas like ingredient swaps, making the recipe quicker, scaling servings, or changing the recipe to suit a diet.

1. Open the **recipe** you want help with.
2. Tap the **More menu** (three vertical dots in the bottom right corner).
3. Select **Ask CookBook**.
4. Type your question or choose one of the suggested ideas.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/e/8/1/e/e81e5022fc484800/edit-recipe-ask-cookbook_15x3doe.png =400x870)

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# Create an AI variation from a recipe

Use this when you want CookBook to create a changed version of a recipe, such as making it vegetarian, quicker, higher protein, gluten-free, or adjusted for ingredients you have available.

1. Open the **recipe** you want to vary.
2. Tap the **More menu** (three vertical dots in the bottom right corner).
3. Select **Create AI Variation**.
4. Enter notes on how you would like to vary the recipe.
5. Tap **Vary recipe**.
6. Review the variation before saving it.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/e/8/1/e/e81e5022fc484800/vary-a-recipe_26cnd0.png =400x870)

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# Use AI tools while editing a recipe

Use this when you are editing a recipe and want CookBook to update or tidy part of the recipe for you.

1. Open the **recipe**.
2. Tap the **Edit** icon.
3. Tap the **More menu** (three vertical dots in the bottom right corner).
4. Select **Vary recipe with AI**.
5. Choose the AI option you want to use.
6. Review the changes, then tap **Save** when you are happy with the recipe.

Options include:

* **Create recipe image**
* **Add relevant tags**
* **Estimate prep & cook times**
* **Calculate nutrition per serving**
* **Reformat & tidy ingredients**
* **Convert measurements to your preferred measure (US Customary, Imperial, Metric, Australian)**
* **Simplify instructions**
* **Enhance description & notes**
* **Translate recipe**
* **Enhance with a custom variation**

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/e/8/1/e/e81e5022fc484800/vary-recipe-with-ai-optionspng_1npp0hz.png =400x870)

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# Tips for better results

* **Be specific:** Tell Ask CookBook exactly what you want, such as "make this dairy-free" or "turn this into a quick weeknight dinner".
* **Mention any dietary needs:** Include allergies, dislikes, serving sizes, or ingredients you want to use up.
* **Review before saving:** AI suggestions can be helpful, but you should always check the result before saving changes to a recipe.