CRAFT™️ Alpha: CRAFT CORE Cookbook Recipe Cheatsheet

Aug 11

SPECIAL SERIES :: THE CRAFT™️ ALPHA :: POST 9 :: CRAFT CORE COOKBOOK

The CRAFT Framework's CORE cookbook contains the essential recipes that form the foundation of structured AI-human interaction.

This cheatsheet provides a quick reference guide to each recipe, helping you identify which tool to use for any situation. Whether you're starting a new session, managing complex workflows, or ensuring clear communication, these recipes have been tested and refined through multiple Alpha phases to deliver consistent, reliable results.

Each recipe in the CORE cookbook serves a specific purpose in the CRAFT ecosystem. From initializing sessions with proper context to creating seamless handoffs between conversations, these recipes work together to create a cohesive framework for AI interaction. This guide presents each recipe in a standardized format, making it easy to understand what each recipe does, when to use it, and how to implement it in your own CRAFT sessions.

📌 Note:

All recipes can be referenced by either their Recipe ID (e.g., RCP-001-004-001) or Recipe Name (e.g., CHAT-INIT). The AI assistant will recognize both formats.

Recipe 1: CHAT-INIT - Session Initialization

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-001-CHAT-INIT-v1.00b

Recipe Name: CHAT-INIT

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: CRAFT Chat Session Initialization with CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER Integration

What the Recipe Does:

Provides comprehensive initialization for AI assistants starting a CRAFT session. It ensures all framework files are loaded, context is established, protocols are activated, and CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER begins monitoring for recipe opportunities.

How The Recipe Works:

Reads all attached CRAFT files in proper order (Spec, Project, History, Cookbooks)
Verifies security components are active
Establishes session context (new or continuation)
Activates CRAFT protocols and comment system
Initializes CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER for automatic recipe detection
Provides session readiness summary

When The Recipe Should be Used:

At the beginning of every CRAFT session
When resuming work from a previous handoff
After any session interruption or restart

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
execute_init = CHAT_SESSION_INITIALIZATION_RECIPE.execute({
    "session_type": "new",  # or "continuation"
    "project_id": "CFT-PROJ-0005",
    "project_files": ["list of attached files"],
    "handoff_id": "H001"  # if continuing
})

Recipe 2: HANDOFF_SNAPSHOT - Session Continuity

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-002-HANDOFF_SNAPSHOT-v1.00a

Recipe Name: HANDOFF_SNAPSHOT

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: Interactive Session Handoff Creator

What the Recipe Does:

Creates comprehensive handoff documentation with human confirmation for next steps and unresolved questions. Ensures seamless transitions between AI chat sessions despite their stateless nature.

How The Recipe Works:

Creates initial sections (summary, current state, key decisions)
Presents unresolved questions for human review
Presents next steps with priority levels for confirmation
Shows complete handoff for final review
Finalizes handoff ready for AI-CHAT-HISTORY file

When The Recipe Should be Used:

When approaching token limit (75%+ usage)
At natural session endpoints
Before switching to different AI assistant
When user says goodbye or indicates session end

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
execute_handoff = HANDOFF_SNAPSHOT_RECIPE.execute({
    "session_id": "CFT-PROJ-0005",
    "date": "June 27, 2025",
    "ai_model": "Claude (Anthropic)"
})

Recipe 3: AMBIGUITY-DETECT - Clarity Enhancement

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-003-AMBIGUITY-DETECT-v1.00a

Recipe Name: AMBIGUITY-DETECT

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: Intelligent Ambiguity Detection and Resolution

What the Recipe Does:

Detects highly ambiguous requests, makes intelligent assumptions with documentation, and asks targeted clarifying questions to ensure mutual understanding.

How The Recipe Works:

Identifies ambiguity indicators (missing subjects, unclear scope, vague metrics)
Searches conversation history for context clues
Makes best guess based on available context
Asks focused clarifying questions
Proceeds with stated assumptions while remaining open to correction

When The Recipe Should be Used:

When user says "fix it" without clear antecedent
Requests with multiple ambiguous pronouns
Vague improvement requests ("make it better")
Commands lacking specific scope or target

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
ambiguity_check = AMBIGUITY_DETECTOR_RECIPE.execute({
    "user_input": "fix the thing we discussed",
    "conversation_context": "software development",
    "history_depth": 10
})

Recipe 4: CONFIDENCE-CALIB - Uncertainty Management

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-004-CONFIDENCE-CALIB-v1.00a

Recipe Name: CONFIDENCE-CALIB

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: Context-Aware Confidence Level Calibration

What the Recipe Does:

Applies percentage-based confidence levels to estimates, predictions, and uncertain claims with type-specific analysis, helping users understand the reliability of AI-provided information.

How The Recipe Works:

Determines if confidence notation is needed
Calculates multi-type confidence (data, reasoning, execution)
Applies appropriate confidence notation
Makes context-aware adjustments
Provides clarification for subjective content

When The Recipe Should be Used:

Making time or effort estimates
Predicting future outcomes
Providing uncited factual claims
Offering "best guess" responses
Technical assessments with uncertainty

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
confidence_check = CONFIDENCE_CALIBRATOR_RECIPE.execute({
    "response_content": "This task will take about 5 hours",
    "response_type": "estimate",
    "context_importance": "primary"
})

Recipe 5: TOKEN-MONITOR - Usage Tracking

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-005-TOKEN-MONITOR-v1.00a

Recipe Name: TOKEN-MONITOR

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: Intelligent Token Usage Monitor with Weighted Tracking and Velocity

What the Recipe Does:

Monitors conversation token usage with weighted calculations, providing warnings at 75% and 85% thresholds or on-demand, includes velocity tracking to predict remaining conversation capacity.

How The Recipe Works:

Calculates weighted token usage (code blocks = 2x, tables = 2.5x, etc.)
Tracks token consumption velocity
Determines if warning is needed based on thresholds
Identifies velocity patterns (steady/accelerating/decelerating)
Provides on-demand reporting when requested

When The Recipe Should be Used:

Automatically at 75% and 85% token usage
Before starting token-heavy tasks
When user asks about token status
During long technical discussions

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
token_check = TOKEN_MONITOR_RECIPE.execute({
    "check_type": "on_demand",  # or "automatic", "before_task"
    "upcoming_task": "comprehensive analysis",
    "force_report": False
})

Recipe 6: LIMITATION-ACK - Capability Boundaries

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-006-LIMITATION-ACK-v1.00a

Recipe Name: LIMITATION-ACK

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: AI Limitation Detection, Acknowledgment and Alternative Solutions

What the Recipe Does:

Automatically detects when AI is asked to do something beyond capabilities, provides clear explanations with alternatives, and maintains updateable AI-specific limitation sets.

How The Recipe Works:

Scans requests for limitation triggers
Categorizes limitation type (technical/policy/simulation)
Provides specific alternatives for each limitation
Can list all current limitations
Can update limitation sets as capabilities evolve

When The Recipe Should be Used:

Requests for file system operations
Network/API call requests
Real-time data access attempts
Code execution requests
Data persistence needs

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
limitation_check = LIMITATION_ACKNOWLEDGMENT_RECIPE.execute({
    "request": "save this file to my desktop",
    "ai_model": "Claude",
    "check_mode": "automatic"  # or "list_limitations", "update_limitations"
})

Recipe 7: SOURCE-VALID - Fact Verification

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-007-SOURCE-VALID-v1.00a

Recipe Name: SOURCE-VALID

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: Factual Claim Validator with Deep Research Integration

What the Recipe Does:

Checks factual claims against available sources, assigns confidence levels, flags unsourced assertions, and generates Deep Research prompts when needed for verification.

How The Recipe Works:

Identifies factual claims (statistics, dates, quotes, specs)
Verifies against available sources
Assigns confidence levels based on source quality
Identifies claims needing Deep Research
Generates research prompts for verification
Formats validation report

When The Recipe Should be Used:

Content with statistics or percentages
Claims about dates or timelines
Quotes or attributed statements
Technical specifications
Before publishing any content

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
validation = SOURCE_VALIDATOR_RECIPE.execute({
    "content": "90% of developers use AI tools daily",
    "validation_mode": "strict",
    "claim_types": ["statistics", "dates", "quotes"]
})

Recipe 8: POLICY-DIGEST - Usage Guidelines

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-008-POLICY-DIGEST-v1.00a

Recipe Name: POLICY-DIGEST

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: AI Usage Policy Digest Creator

What the Recipe Does:

Converts full usage policies into concise, actionable summaries for CRAFT framework integration, helping ensure all interactions comply with platform guidelines.

How The Recipe Works:

Extracts key policy categories
Creates quick reference format
Adds practical examples
Creates warning triggers
Formats for framework integration

When The Recipe Should be Used:

Creating policy awareness for new AI platforms
Updating existing policy digests
Integrating usage guidelines into CRAFT
Training team members on compliance

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
digest = USAGE_POLICY_DIGEST_RECIPE.execute({
    "policy_text": "[paste full policy document]",
    "ai_platform": "Claude",
    "max_length": 50
})

Recipe 9: PROGRESS-TRACK - Workflow Management

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-009-PROGRESS-TRACK-v1.00a

Recipe Name: PROGRESS-TRACK

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: Visual Progress Tracker with Automatic Step Detection

What the Recipe Does:

Automatically tracks conversation progress through multi-step workflows, provides visual progress bars and structured updates, integrates with handoff system for continuity.

How The Recipe Works:

Initializes workflow with step list
Automatically detects step completions
Provides visual progress updates
Responds to progress queries
Integrates with handoff for state preservation
Detects workflow completion

When The Recipe Should be Used:

Multi-step processes (3+ steps)
Complex workflows needing tracking
When user asks "where am I?"
Projects spanning multiple sessions

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
tracker = PROGRESS_TRACKER_RECIPE.execute({
    "task_name": "CRAFT Recipe Development",
    "mode": "initialize",  # or "status", "update", "auto"
    "steps_list": [
        "Define recipe purpose",
        "Draft recipe structure",
        "Test and refine",
        "Finalize documentation"
    ]
})

Recipe 10: ERROR-TRANS - User-Friendly Errors

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-010-ERROR-TRANS-v1.00a

Recipe Name: ERROR-TRANS

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: Intelligent Error Message Translator with Adaptive Explanations

What the Recipe Does:

Automatically detects complex technical errors and translates them to user-friendly messages, categorizes severity, and offers recovery assistance when requested.

How The Recipe Works:

Assesses error complexity
Categorizes error type and severity
Detects user technical level
Translates to plain language
Provides initial friendly response
Offers recovery assistance if requested

When The Recipe Should be Used:

Stack traces or technical errors appear
API response codes need explanation
Complex validation failures occur
Users encounter cryptic error messages

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
translated = ERROR_TRANSLATOR_RECIPE.execute({
    "error_message": "TypeError: Cannot read property 'map' of undefined",
    "error_context": "trying to display recipe list",
    "user_expertise": "non-technical"
})

Recipe 11: COMMENT-FLOW - Communication Quality

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-011-COMMENT-FLOW-v1.00a

Recipe Name: COMMENT-FLOW

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: AI Comment System Self-Monitor with Silent Optimization

What the Recipe Does:

Monitors AI's comment usage for consistency, ensures proper acknowledgment of H->AI directives, operates in silent mode by default to improve communication without disrupting flow.

How The Recipe Works:

Continuously self-monitors comment usage
Detects missed acknowledgments
Self-corrects silently in default mode
Can provide visible feedback if requested
Generates usage reports on demand
Provides comment templates when asked

When The Recipe Should be Used:

Runs continuously in background
When communication clarity needs improvement
Training new CRAFT users
Quality assurance checks

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
comment_monitor = COMMENT_WORKFLOW_RECIPE.execute({
    "mode": "silent",  # or "visible", "report", "templates"
    "conversation_segment": "last 10 exchanges"
})

Recipe 12: EXPECT-SET - Upfront Clarity

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-012-EXPECT-SET-v1.00a

Recipe Name: EXPECT-SET

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: Proactive Expectation Management with Progress Tracker Integration

What the Recipe Does:

Communicates upfront what will happen, estimated complexity, likely duration, and known limitations before starting tasks, automatically initializes PROGRESS-TRACKER for monitoring.

How The Recipe Works:

Analyzes task complexity
Checks AI capabilities
Estimates time/effort required
Sets clear expectations
Integrates with PROGRESS-TRACKER
Requests confirmation before proceeding

When The Recipe Should be Used:

Before complex multi-step tasks
When scope is unclear
Tasks with known limitations
Projects requiring user actions

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
expectations = EXPECTATION_SETTER_RECIPE.execute({
    "task_description": "Create complete CRAFT recipe",
    "auto_init_progress": True,
    "detail_level": "balanced"  # or "minimal", "comprehensive"
})

Recipe 13: PROJECT-FILE-INFO-EXTRACTOR - Knowledge Preservation

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-013-PROJECT-FILE-INFO-EXTRACTOR-v1.00a

Recipe Name: PROJECT-FILE-INFO-EXTRACTOR

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: Project File Information Extractor for Cross-Project Persistence

What the Recipe Does:

Interactive recipe that collaboratively reviews project files to identify valuable patterns, functions, and insights that should persist to the framework or cookbook files for use in future projects.

How The Recipe Works:

Scans project files for reusable content
Categorizes discoveries (functions, patterns, insights)
Presents findings for collaborative evaluation
Plans destination for each valuable item
Resolves naming conflicts
Generates ready-to-paste extraction report

When The Recipe Should be Used:

At project conclusion
After discovering useful patterns
Before archiving projects
During framework evolution

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
extraction = PROJECT_FILE_INFO_EXTRACTOR_RECIPE.execute({
    "project_id": "CFT-PROJ-CP-022",
    "review_mode": "comprehensive",  # or "focused", "quick"
    "include_handoffs": True
})

Recipe 14: CRAFT-BRAINSTORMER - Innovation Engine

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-014-CRAFT-BRAINSTORMER-v1.00a

Recipe Name: CRAFT-BRAINSTORMER

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: CRAFT Framework Innovation Brainstormer

What the Recipe Does:

Structured ideation tool for generating and evaluating new CRAFT functionality ideas that align with core purposes and philosophical principles, producing scored and actionable innovation concepts.

How The Recipe Works:

Applies brainstorming constraints (blue sky/practical/immediate)
Generates ideas structured by CRAFT components
Maps to core philosophy and principles
Explains implementation approach
Generates follow-up ideas
Scores innovation, feasibility, and impact

When The Recipe Should be Used:

Framework enhancement planning
Solving persistent challenges
Feature roadmap development
Team brainstorming sessions

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
brainstorm = CRAFT_BRAINSTORMER_RECIPE.execute({
    "focus_area": "recipes",  # or "persistence", "collaboration", etc.
    "num_ideas": 5,
    "depth_level": "detailed",
    "constraint_mode": "practical"  # or "blue_sky", "immediate"
})

Recipe 15: CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER - Automatic Recipe Detection

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-015-CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER-v1.00a

Recipe Name: CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: CRAFT Operations Manager - Automatic Recipe Detector

What the Recipe Does:

Lightweight recipe that runs with every prompt to detect opportunities for using CRAFT recipes and framework components. Automatically executes appropriate recipes based on configured triggers.

How The Recipe Works:

Analyzes each user prompt
Checks for recipe trigger conditions
Determines appropriate action (auto-execute, ask, warn)
Executes recipes based on mode (production/test)
Tracks conversation context
Reports actions via COM comments

When The Recipe Should be Used:

Automatically runs after CHAT-INIT
Active throughout entire session
No manual execution needed
Can be disabled if requested

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution (usually automatic):
com_check = CRAFT_OPERATIONS_MANAGER_RECIPE.execute({
    "user_prompt": "Create a blog post about CRAFT",
    "conversation_context": {
        "token_usage": 45,
        "exchange_count": 12
    },
    "mode": "production"  # or "test"
})

Recipe 16: CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER-TEST - Testing Mode

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-016-CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER-TEST-v1.00a

Recipe Name: CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER-TEST

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: CRAFT Operations Manager - Test Mode

What the Recipe Does:

Test version of CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER that shows reasoning and asks before executing any recipe. Includes all functionality with additional testing logic and visibility.

How The Recipe Works:

Runs all standard COM detection logic
Shows reasoning for each detection
Displays what would happen in production
Asks permission before any execution
Provides summary statistics
Estimates token impact

When The Recipe Should be Used:

Testing COM configuration
Understanding trigger logic
Training new users
Debugging recipe interactions

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
com_test = CRAFT_PROMPT_TEST_RECIPE.execute({
    "user_prompt": "This task will take about 5 hours",
    "conversation_context": {
        "token_usage": 45,
        "exchange_count": 12
    }
})

Recipe 17: COM-UPDATER - Configuration Tool

Recipe ID: RCP-001-004-017-COM-UPDATER-v1.00a

Recipe Name: COM-UPDATER

Note: The AI can find this recipe by referring to it as either the Recipe ID or the Recipe Name.

Title: CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER Recipe Updater - Interactive Configuration Tool

What the Recipe Does:

Systematically reviews all cookbook recipes one-by-one to update CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER trigger conditions. Uses interactive Q&A format with pauses between each recipe for user feedback.

How The Recipe Works:

Loads all cookbook recipes
Analyzes each recipe individually
Proposes trigger conditions
Asks configuration questions
Processes user feedback
Generates updated CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER recipe

When The Recipe Should be Used:

Adding new recipes to COM
Updating trigger conditions
Reviewing COM configuration
After cookbook updates

How To Use The Recipe:

# Example execution:
updater = COM_UPDATER_RECIPE.execute({
    "starting_recipe": 1,
    "include_new_recipes": True,
    "output_format": "full_recipe"  # or "triggers_only", "diff_view"
})

Conclusion: Your CRAFT Recipe Toolkit

The CRAFT CORE cookbook represents months of testing and refinement, distilling complex AI interaction patterns into 17 reliable, reusable recipes. Each recipe addresses specific challenges identified during the Alpha testing phases, from basic session management to sophisticated workflow tracking and error handling.

These recipes work together as an integrated system. CHAT-INIT ensures proper session setup, CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER monitors for recipe opportunities throughout the conversation, and HANDOFF_SNAPSHOT preserves context between sessions. The specialized recipes handle everything from ambiguity detection to progress tracking, creating a comprehensive framework for structured AI interaction.

As you work with CRAFT, remember that recipes are meant to be adapted and extended. While the CORE cookbook provides essential functionality, you can create your own recipes for specific domains or workflows. The standardized format ensures consistency while allowing flexibility in implementation.

💡 Key Takeaway:

Start with CHAT-INIT at the beginning of every session, let CRAFT-OPERATIONS-MANAGER handle automatic recipe detection, and use this cheatsheet to manually execute recipes when needed. The combination of automatic and manual recipe usage creates a powerful, flexible system for AI interaction.

Next Steps:

Bookmark this cheatsheet for quick reference during CRAFT sessions
Practice using the basic recipes (CHAT-INIT, HANDOFF_SNAPSHOT, AMBIGUITY-DETECT)
Explore specialized cookbooks for domain-specific recipes
Create your own recipes using the established patterns
Share your experiences and improvements with the CRAFT community

CRAFT™️The CRAFT™️ ExperimentCRAFT™️ Alphaweek52

Richard Ketelsen