Sometimes I find cooking dreary. Scratch that: I always find cooking dreary. I am not a natural, I do not whip up fancy concoctions out of gourmet ingredients I just happen to always keep on hand, and the process of preparing for dinner parties is an exercise in frustration and anxiety tempered only by the immense tedium that comes from chopping and mixing and measuring.

Maybe you are skilled and find it meditative and satisfying; maybe you do not need this very exciting measuring cup (who knew a measuring cup could be exciting?) filled with facts and figures and a whole lot of so-cool to leaven the long hours slaving away at the stove. Except I really think you do. Even the best cook in the world should know exactly how many half a human brains it takes to make your favorite entrée. And if it gets us into the kitchen, it will have done its job.