Dear Humans,

It’s funny all of the gadgets I have in my kitchen. And a lot of them have numbers on them–scales, measuring cups, thermometers, timers. But the tools I use most when I’m cooking are my five senses.

I can’t always trust my senses. Sometimes it’s nice to stick a probe thermometer in a turkey to make sure I’m not going to give anyone Salmonella. And if I boiled eggs for anything besides Easter egg hunts I’d probably want a timer to make sure they’re done to my liking. But usually our senses are enough.

Cooking is all about transformation. And you can see that transformation in the changing color, smell it in the garlicky aroma, feel it in the changing texture under your wooden spoon, hear it in the sizzling, and taste it in the melding of the flavors.

We like to use tools because we sometimes believe that the most important information is hidden from our senses. And sometimes it is. But usually it’s right there in front of us. If we look, sniff, touch, listen, and taste.

Sincerely,

Mr. Heimbuck