We may be way over cautious but I'd rather err on the side of caution especially with children. Your local County Extension Service can give you FDA guidelines for food safety. Travel became an issue for me. Years ago while in Madrid I was violently sick to my stomach the first few nights after dinner. Our host practiced, as many Europeans, not refrigerating items which are commonly refrigerated here in the U.S. For the remainder of the trip I ate only saltine crackers and gingerale, I was already drinking bottled water only as was DD. My dear friend made a lovely fritata (eggs, potatoes, onions, etc.) which she served hot upon our arrival. It then sat on the counter unrefrigerated for the next few days while they snacked on it. When we returned home I visited my MD. He told me that I became ill due to bacteria introduced that my body was not equipped to handle. I am not at all immune compromised Our hosts have always lived this way so their bodies treat that bacteria differently. I found the refrigeration issue to be the same in France, Germany, Norway, Sweeden, Iceland. They just don't refrigerate commonly refrigerated food items as we do here in the States. Have been to many underdeveloped countries and DH has never had a problem? He is of the "when in Rome" mindset. I've seen him drink from the tap in places that just scream "you're gonna have an issue". He must have some superhuman immune system. Me, I drink only bottled water/drinks and always travel with a stash of pre-packaged foods items, as I want to be able to enjoy the entire trip wherever the destination. Over the years, I've discovered that four star doesn't mean the same thing once you leave the States. In fact, four star in some odd out of the way places means 1/2 a star by U.S. standards. As for meds, I was under the impression (with the exception of vitamins) that at most they can lose their effectiveness, not make you sick. Thanks for linking the article terriks.

Teresa, I love that pudding cake too, Grandma called it hot fudge pudding cake. I didn't open this either, because I detest bananas and so I'll never make or eat "Nanner Pudding". Or Banana Pudding either! However, I do think I know why the meringue goes on top instead of whipped cream. Things didn't used to be "wasted" or thrown away, and refrigeration was not as abundant or reliable as it is now. So, when something took a lot of egg yolks, like lemon pie or custard/pudding desserts, the whites were naturally used for meringue so they were not wasted. It's not a northern OR a southern thing, it's a old farmer thing, from times when everyone was much more frugal than we are today. Annie

My Pleasure Pink Warm... Here is a link that might be useful: Food Recipies and Events at Yreach

I made the recipe posted by rusty_ns for T&T Steamed Christmas Pudding two days ago. It's GONE! Wonderful.... I'm making it again tomorrow for more holiday friends! For a bit of background, some time ago I spoke with my 80 y.o. mother and asked if there was anything she had not had in a long time that she'd like to have me make for her. She very quickly responded "My mother's carrot pudding." After considerable discussion with my mother, I did exhaustive web searches and finally came upon this recipe, which seems to be exactly the recipe my grandmother made for my mother and my mother's grandfather. The joke was that the grandfather absolutely hated carrots but loved the pudding (nobody ever told him it contained carrots!)... My mother had not had this dish in over 60 years, since her mother passed away (unfortunately, I never knew her). The most difficult part was locating suet. I secured some and easily made this recipe. It was extraordinarily delicious and rich!!!!!!! I thought my mother was levitating when she first tasted it. She said it was EXACTLY what she remembered as a child. What a compliment! The look on her face was priceless. I want to personally thank rusty_ns for providing this top-notch recipe. Believe me, not only do I thank you, but my 80 year old mother does, too! Bless you and thanks again! Dave drdave19@bellsouth.net