Near Misses

The kitchen is a place of excitement and danger. There are hot ovens, sharp knives, heavy pans which can also be quite hot: basically a lot of very hot, sharp metal things that may also be heavy. And, of course, food. And perhaps a little alcohol because, why not; we’re cooking.

Sometimes there are “near misses”: something hot or sharp or heavy comes very close to some part of you that you’d rather not have burned, cut or smooshed. Near misses aren’t quite accidents; they’re warnings.

They warn you of lack of attention, lack of control, lack of patience, lack of technique—anything you might be lacking except, perhaps, fiber. Near misses show you a glimpse of what could happen if you don’t address the area that is lacking.

They are gifts to be treasured.