Recently I decided to give ChatGPT a try. I created an account and logged in and ask ChatGPT to help me write some python code. I asked, “can you help me write some python code?” And it (“it”? see, it needs a better name. What about “Chatty-G”?) was polite and said it could help. Since we process map package areas for our OnScene Xplorer 4.0 customers, I asked if it could write me a popup window to select a package to process. We use folders to hold the packages, so I asked to select a folder. It created some python code and explained what it did. And it worked well. I also ask several times to make some modification, which it did….and again, it explained what it did.

What surprised me about ChatGPT was the conversational method of communication. I asked, “make me a popup window” and then entered “can you make the popup bigger?” Which of course it did. Add “Select Package Area” in the stripe.

I can say this with confidence….this is huge, it’s a game changer, just most people haven’t realized it yet. ChatGPT is in the news a lot lately, but when you think it through, you realize it’s bigger than you can imagine.

This reminded me of another event where most people didn’t understand the implications. It was when “Selective Availability” was turned off the Global Positioning System (GPS). OK, maybe you’re not a map geek and don’t recall this. I was on travel for MapQuest.com sitting in a hotel room when on the news it was reported that President Bill Clinton turned off “selective availability” in May 2000. “Selective Availability” was the intentional degradation of GPS accuracy, so it was only useful to our military.

It was a huge moment, with gigantic implications, and no one near me really understood it. I was so excited I called another colleague so we could share the excitement between those who understood just what this meant for the world. I knew at that moment that things like in-car nav would now be possible. Tracking stuff would be possible. And that the sky was the limit. Now think about it…..how does an accurate GPS signal improve your life? Do you even carry printed maps when you travel? Nah, your position is very accurate on your mobile device, and you just use the device to navigate. So now you understand, turning off “Select Availability” in May 2000 was a momentous event for the world. I got the same feeling when I tried out ChatGPT.

Now what does this have to do with Black Walnut Cake? My mom just turned 90 years old, and her favorite cake is Black Walnut Cake. So, while I was kicking the ChatGPT tires, I opened a new conversation and said, ” I need a black walnut cake recipe” and Chef GPT gave me a recipe with ingredients and instructions to bake the cake. It gave me some tips on baking 8-inch round pans versus a 9×13 inch cake pan. The instructions were very easy to understand, so I asked, “can you recommend icing for the cake?” It replied with four different options and explained the differences between them. Wow, it was so nice and polite, and helpful. You know, like real customer service!

Yes, I pushed myself back from my desk and said out loud to no one but me,” the game has changed..“

I guess it would be rude to talk about the Black Walnut Cake recipe without giving it to you, so here it is:

Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup black walnuts, finely chopped
Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped black walnuts.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
    

And of course, here is Chef GPT’s reply to my question about the icing:

There are many different icings that would complement a black walnut cake, but here are a few popular options:

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: This is a classic pairing for black walnut cake. Mix together 8 oz of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
2. Buttercream Frosting: This is another popular choice for black walnut cake. Mix together 1 cup of butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 2-4 tablespoons of milk. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
3. Maple Frosting: For a unique twist on a classic recipe, try a maple frosting. Mix together 1/2 cup of butter, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
4. Caramel Frosting: Caramel frosting pairs perfectly with black walnut cake. Mix together 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.

Ultimately, the icing you choose will depend on your personal taste and the occasion. It’s always a good idea to taste the frosting before you put it on the cake.