Ok, it was dumb

Rick made a wonderful meal, but unfortunately some of the couscous stuck to the pot. I used the method of soapy water on simmer, which my grandmother and mother used. A video here suggest salt too. I went onto other chores.

Then Rick picked up his keys on his way to see Sikzzo, a cat we are checking on daily while his parents are frolicking in Italy and I decided spontaneously to go with him.

We came back to the smell of burnt toast, only it was charred couscous on the pan. I'd forgotten to turn the stovetop off.

I did discovered the charred bits flaked off easily, more easily than any other method I've ever used.

Rick calmly said, "Please don't do that again."