I haven’t always been a hapless cook. For many years, I managed to feed our family of seven with no fatalities and only one near-miss. That was the chili I made with ground beef that looked a little funny but I was sure it was fine.

It wasn’t.

Bing was the only one to eat it that day, and for several days thereafter he was at death’s door. At least, that’s what he claimed. Frankly, I think he was a bit of a baby about it, but I refrained from saying that aloud.