- provides an entry it lots of interesting scientific questions, both in food preparation and digestion/health.
- is a big money saver over a lifetime.
- is a great social activity with deep cultural roots.
As a programmer, I also enjoy the approximate and ephemeral nature of the process and product, similar to software engineering in some ways, completely different in others.
https://www.amazon.com/Food-Cooking-Science-Lore-Kitchen/dp/...
You can also use a microwave to do things like cooking potatoes.