Saved by the Bell/Ding

No, I haven't been watching "Saved by the Bell," just in case you were wondering.:) And actually, the bell I'm referring to is more of a "ding" then a "ring." The ding to which I am referring went off in my kitchen twice last night, and both times this ding saved me from carbonation. Can you guess what it was? No, not my psychotic smoke detectors. It was my stove! Here's a picture of it, just to give you a visual. 

Not your average oven, right? Let me further explain the marvels of this little box of electric heat. The key to using said machine is to pay close attention to the knobs. The one on the bottom determines where the heat will come from (1=top, 2=bottom, 3=both). It is VERY important to take a minute to see what number this knob is set on, especially when making muffins shortly after making toast (the muffins may end up looking dark on top and not so dark on the bottom. It is not fun.). The middle knob deals with the temperature (self-explanatory). Which leaves us with that top knob. This knob controls a timer. Handy, right? However, this is no ordinary timer. In actuality, this timer controls the oven itself. Let me explain: No timer running = no oven heating. Let me say that again, just in case you glazed over it. If the timer is not running, the oven does not get hot (regardless of the temperature it is set on). When I first tried to use the oven, I was unaware of this feature and thought the machine was broken. Having lived a relatively sheltered life when it comes to ovens, it never occurred to me that the timer might actually turn the oven off. 

So, when I first learned about this timer-heat thing, I must confess that I was rather miffed, wondering what kind of an idiot thought up a feature like that. However, I now know what kind of a person would come up with such an idea: someone who either was, knew someone who was, or had to clean up after someone who was forgetful. You see, the beauty of this system, is that when the timer finishes (and gives is subsequent "ding" the oven turns off). Brilliant, right? The number of times that little ding has saved my culinary endeavors is rather embarrassing to admit. Just last night it saved both rounds of emergency biscuits (yes, I forgot about both of them while they were cooking, and only remembered that I was cooking something when I heard the ding). 

Let me just say, I'm officially in love with my little oven and its ding. :)