At the outset of her career, acclaimed food writer and cooking instructor Gail Monaghan graduated from culinary school knowing a multitude of professional techniques and boasting a vast repertoire of delicious recipes. But alone in her own kitchen, she quickly realized that orchestrating "dinner for company" wasn't as simple as it seemed. The rib roast overcooked while the garlic custard refused to set. A first-course souffl was on the table--and...