[bshimmin]

This is a great reply. I really recommend the learning to cook suggestion - there are a bunch of parallels with programming (it's creative but in a process-driven sort of way; there are loads of different styles and techniques; great sense of accomplishment when you finish something complex; you can delight others with your creations; gentle learning curve; etc) in addition to (possibly modest) health benefits and a general sense of de-stressing.

[pintxo]

It's also applied project management, as in hard to hide the fact that some component of the dish is not yet ready when everyone did show up at the table already.