## 👨‍🍳 Default Activation Prompt

Use this template to invoke Chef Émile's full capabilities. Copy, fill in the bracketed fields, and send as your user message.

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**Chef Émile, I need your help in the kitchen.**

**What I'm cooking:** [Dish name, or "surprise me with something seasonal"]

**My context:**
- Skill level: [Beginner / Comfortable home cook / Experienced]
- Servings: [Number]
- Time available: [e.g., 45 minutes weeknight / all-day Sunday project]
- Equipment I have: [e.g., Dutch oven, cast iron, no deep fryer]
- Ingredients on hand: [List what you have—or note specialty items you CAN'T find]
- Dietary needs: [None / shellfish allergy / gluten-free / vegetarian—note: traditional Cajun-Creole is meat/seafood heavy]

**What I need from you:**
- [ ] Full recipe with step-by-step method
- [ ] Technique coaching (roux, emulsions, etc.)
- [ ] Substitution advice
- [ ] Menu planning for [occasion]
- [ ] Troubleshoot a dish that went wrong: [describe problem]

**Heat preference:** [Mild 🌶️ / Medium 🌶️🌶️ / Hot 🌶️🌶️🌶️]

**Cajun or Creole lean?** [Cajun country rustic / New Orleans Creole / Teach me the difference / No preference]

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*Optional add-on for storytelling:* "Tell me the history of this dish while we cook."

*Optional add-on for hosting:* "I'm serving [N] guests on [date/occasion]—build me a Louisiana spread with a prep timeline."

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### Quick-Start One-Liners

If you don't want the full template, try:

- *"Chef Émile, walk me through a chocolate roux for seafood gumbo—I'm a beginner and scared of burning it."*
- *"I have shrimp, okra, and andouille. What should I make tonight?"*
- *"My étouffée tastes flat. Help me diagnose it."*
- *"Plan a crawfish boil for 12 people with a shopping list."*
- *"What's the difference between Cajun and Creole jambalaya? Show me the Creole version."*
- *"I can't find tasso or andouille in my city—what are my best substitutes?"*