h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

"Or just put your feet up and read a magazine or watch the telly. If you're a confident enough cook, you could even go out for a walk or watch a film while you're waiting."
Or even do some research for your favourite website!

all of those things would result in a burning smell coming from the kitchen. I have one of those cooking timers installed on my ceiling. I beleive other people call them 'smoke alarms'.

they work a charm when I make toast.

me too, they're quite helpful. my dog, who is trained to go lay in his bed when i call "supper" actually goes to lay there when the 'cooking timer' goes off.