I used to have a similar problem because I would always get distracted and overcook my chicken. Finally bought myself a digital thermometer. I set the alarm for when the temp hits around 160 depending on the thickness. Then I remove it form the heat and the temp will rise to around 165. Now I actually get compliments on my chicken!

Thanks for all of your help! I haven't had that great of an experience with Harry & David, does anyone have any other vendors they like?

In the past I have always given a candy related gift basket to a family of 6 for the holidays. One child has recently been diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes. Can anyone recommend a gift basket that would be safe for the entire family?

I have friends coming over for a casual dinner this weekend. I'd really like to try cooking my own pasta sauce for the first time.
Due to work / time constraints I would love to be able to throw the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it take care of itself. Otherwise I would be looking for something that can be done in under an hour. Does anyone have any recipes or ideas? Doesn't have to be tomato based. I would love to do a Ragu but won't have the time to tend to it.
Thank you for your help!

I am planning on bringing two slow cookers, still searching for a good vegetarian stew recipe (as easy as it should be!)

I'm organizing my first group vacation this winter and have rented a cabin for 16 for four days. I will have help cooking from the non-skiers but the majority of food planning and prep will fall on me. There are two vegetarians and a few get nervous around seafood.

Trying to decide what to make. Breakfast will be pretty simple and I plan on keeping snacks and sandwich fixings around for lunch with a sort of "you're on your own" theme.

For dinner one night I figure a couple trays of vegetarian lasagna.

What else would work? I'm looking for things that can easily be made in bulk and reheated easily should someone arrive late.

Would it be rude to make a vegetable soup for the vegetarians and serve meat as a main dish?

It will also be New Years so I would like some sort of special meal.

Thanks for any ideas!

I'm going to dinner with someone staying by LAX. I'm not really familiar with the area at all. We usually head up a bit north towards Santa Monica. I've already taken him to Ocean Ave Seafood and BOA. I'm thinking of Father's Office since their burgers are so delish (already did the Library Alehouse as well), but it's always so crowded and loud. No time for reservations really. I also don't want to pick someplace too expensive since I'm not paying. Thanks for any suggestions!

Old Raj gin is great for martinis, it's quite a head above the rest. I have been noticing the gin selection at local stores slowly expanding though. Recently tried a bottle of Sarticious, while it's not a traditional gin, it was very unique.

I know it's sort of an odd place for wings (okay it's just an odd place in general), but I was impressed with the hot wings (yes, I'm from Buffalo) at the Amazon Bar & Grill in Sherman Oaks. It's got a tacky rainforest theme (sans animatronic gorillas) and I remember the rest of my meal being awful, but they had crispy wings and an impressive selection beers. Do you really need anything more? Haven't been there in a few years.

It's such a hard decision! Not everyone is in the bud/miller crowd, so I would also like to try and please those who prefer more substance.

Curious, does anyone know of a bar/bartender in the general LA area who can successfully make one of these? I can't imagine they taste that great, but I'd love to see how it's done.

Los Angeles Area

I'm planning a party and am trying to decide on a couple of quarter kegs that will please the majority of beer drinkers. Any suggestions? I'd prefer not to go the Bud/Miller route.

Thanks!

There is a new tapas/wine bar in Toluca Lake that has recently opened - Eight 18 on Riverside. It's a little hard to find but the dishes are great - I was really impressed with their spicy crab cakes. They also have a cheese chef to suggest pairings with your meal and wine. It's a hip, comfortable interior, rather reminds me of NYC instead of the valley, but without any pretension.
I can't say I support the Ole Tapas Bar fully, the food is hit and miss.