Perfect timing

Let the countdown begin! Instead of checking the clock every few minutes to see how much time is left before the eggs are ready, the roast is cooked or

the pasta is done, get a digital timer.

The Accu-time Digital Timer is battery-operated and tiny enough to pop in your pocket. All you have to do is punch in the cooking time. Once the time runs out, you'll be alerted with a few loud (but not obnoxious) beeps. It even gives a few early warnings, at the 10- and five-minute marks, so if you wander off there's time to head back to the kitchen. Available at Canadian Tire, $12.