Thanks ya'll! I really appreciate your taking time to share your thoughts!

The knife thing is bothering me - we have a close MIA connection and plan to do carry-on only .. guess we can stop and buy one, it may be worth it... Blows the idea of taking frozen food too... Surely I can fit some (flat) spices in tho.

GaKaye, I'm with you on the strange pan thing and burning stuff - wish we could take our fav pan. oh well, I'm willing to sacrifice (a little anyway).

Carol, I already want to try Barefoot Contessa's recipe tonight - no need to be on vacation for good shrimp!

Contessa, I love good food, I love to eat. So I married Bob, who loves to shop and cook!! And, luckily, after 25 years, he still loves to fix whatever I want! I'll just print this and give it to him. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Keep the ideas comin'! I always wonder the folks next door are eating - it always smells so good!