Emily, I'm one of those people who LOVE to cook so if I don't cook I'm lost. So, when I'm in SXM I have to have a large dinner pahty! One of the favs is a Limoncello Shrimp dish over pasta. It's so easy and Limoncello is so reasonable that whatever is leftover, put in the freezer and drink later for after dinner! Also, I bring my Contadina Tomato Paste w/herbs with me because that's not available. Another night I'll make a Baked Ziti or whatever else is available. Or I'll just toss a couple of boneless,floured chicken breasts in the pan, saute in butter (love the French or NZ butter), add a couple of smooshed garlic cloves & minced shallot....cook 'til soft, then toss in a couple of swigs of white wine (save remaining for drinking w/dinner). Let the chix get the full body of the wine sauce and pour over pasta or rice. Voila! Inexpensive and yummy at 1/3 cost of dining out. Now, if you don't like to cook....then that's another story....
I bring a few ingredients from home so I won't have to go out and spend a fortune. I'll bring a Ziplock w/flour, seasoned w/onion powder, garlic powder which I'll use w/chicken or shrimp. I don't want a 5 lb. bag of flour wasted.
Also, Contadina Tomato Paste w/herbs so I don't have to bring any dried herbs.
Add a can full of red wine to that and you're good to go w/sauce for 2! Also, I bring Pam because it's hard to find and most of the pans are French and don't have the 'non-stick' finish.
BTW, Knorrs has some pretty tasty packets of sauce available which you could bring along. They have a Rosa which if you add a hit of vodka you've got a vodka sauce...and you can drink the rest!! Do you see a pattern here? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
I hate waste. Hey, you've got it....then you'll have to drink it!
Also, I've brought a packet of T Taste of Thai's Spicy Peanut Bake. Now, that's fabulous! You put Chicken breasts in a Ziplock....add the Spicy Peanut Bake and shake....voila! instant delicious! Put in the oven 40 min. and put over rice. Leftovers are great on a salad!
So...aren't you glad you asked?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Go and enjoy!!

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> Contessa