If there is another way to cook or craft without roleplaying with an AI for it, I haven't found it yet. The most I've been able to do is cook meat, but maybe you can cook a turnip or those vislberry(?) herbs. Which I don't think shouldn't have an expiration on them. They're the only herb that does for some reason.
I think the idea is to make the AI more useful so you have a reason to talk to them more often. I know they can see and make comments about when your character is overburdened, wet, or tired. I suspect when the hunger icon appears in the upper right corner the NPC's can tell your hungry and will likely give you a free meal. I'm guessing it's the same for thirst and why they pour tea for you?