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This week I offer you a little lesson from the trenches of my kitchen.

I thought things were completely under control. The roast was in the oven, the side dishes prepared, the table set, and the kids were relatively calm. Time for a deep breath? No. Because the roast needed to be checked and I couldn't find my meat thermometer. As I frantically dug through my gadget drawer, hoping the roast wouldn't overcook, I turned up nothing. Finally my mom took over the hunt and found it within ten seconds.

Next time I will have the thermometer, and any other kitchen tool I need, ready to use long before it's required.

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