to why you killed your mother-in-law. But there’s no excuse for murdering a steak.) About 20 years ago, I was asked to review a book about what celebrity chefs wanted for their last meals.

In most states and various countries where the death penalty is legal, it's customary to give sentenced prisoners a special last meal at their request. Restrictions do apply - for example ...

When the prisoner goes on "Death Watch," he or she is allowed both a legal and a social phone call. A prisoner's last meal before execution must be purchased locally and cost no more than $40 to ...