See, I can't have gluten, so having control over my food is wonderful. I can take my own and NOBODY notices that I'm not eating what the hostess prepared. I'm not being a pain in the waiter's neck, and I don't end up sick the next day. Perfect.

Does anyone have favorite cookbook awards or competitions?

I'm looking for ones open to self-published works (and new authors), so ideally not the majors like James Beard, IACP, or Gourmand.

I'm sad about the store bought comment. Really, cheese and crackers?

The others strike me as fairly common-sensical (really, telling people they should have brought food that's already prepared?), but sometimes people need reminders. Particularly if you are out of practice, it's never bad to have a a list of "duh" points to review.

I strongly second clear flour. I can't eat it any more, but when I could, it was my first choice in breads, both for sandwich bread and for baguettes.

When pigs fly doesn't stand up to it.

10 Tables in JP is fantastic, very intimate, and would leave you more leeway in the budget. You would need a reservation, most likely. I haven't been to the Cambridge one. Oleanna is also delicious and a little more off the beaten path.

I'll be participating, but away from home. Would love to hear what people end up making... I'm at my aunt's, so we'll see. Plenty of cheap free-range eggs available there though, and I'm planning to raid her garden, so we'll come in well under $5.

Yesterday, in Boston, I picked up some beautiful little orange cauliflower that I would have roasted had it been a meal at home. Perhaps roasted cauflower, lentil salad, and baked sweet potatoes, followed by an apple dessert...?