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Wheat/dairy/egg-free cupcakes? That actually taste good? And are very quick and simple? The boy's birthday is coming up in a few days and I wanted to bring cupcakes for the whole preschool class (in lieu of a party, which I just can't deal with this year). But of course there are allergies and I don't want to leave anyone out. Oh, and there's at least one kid who can't eat refined sugar. They don't have to be cupcakes of course. Cake, or bars, or even cookies... I'm open. Just so long as it's festive, yummy, and won't make anyone sick. Thank you!!

First gift request of the holiday season I'm having trouble with: My mom has asked for a purple apron, with a pocket, that is on the "thicker side." I'm striking out everywhere! Anyone have any suggestions?

I think I'm going to get my brother crab cakes for Christmas. He loves them so if I can find a place that does amazing crab cakes that can be sent to him I'll do it. Can anyone here recommend the best crab cakes?

I saw a segment on QVC where they had them but when I read the reviews I decided against them. I'm open to suggestions.

Anyone have any experience with sweet potato fries? I love cutting regular potatoes into wedges and baking them with olive oil and spices until they're crispy, but reviews seem to say that sweet potatoes won't get as crispy. Has anyone had any luck with these? Also, will blanching before baking help? Thanks!

anne: How about http://www.crabcakes.com? I've never tried them, but they look pretty darn good. Now I'm hungry...

Deghanmay--have you tried www.etsy.com? Maybe a special order?

jyw, I saw that, too. They're from Phillip's Crab House in MD. We used to go there as kids when we vacationed at the beach. There was ALWAYS a long line out front waiting to get in. Do you think $45 is a lot for 6 cakes?

When I was visiting my mother last week I took a cooking pot with me when I came home. It's copper and has a metal tag on the side that says De La Cuisine. I've googled this to find out about it but not having much luck. Does anyone know about these cooking pots?

Anne - I like to cut up sweet potatoes into small pieces, toss in olive oil and a bit of red pepper then put them under the broiler. You have to stir regularly so all sides get done. If you cut into small pieces they won't be mushy. The red pepper adds a little zing.

anne: Ooh, yeah. I guess that is a lot, especially for frozen crab cakes. I was just staring at the food, and didn't even look at the prices!

Today I mourn the passing of the Canadian tv chef James Barber, also known as the Urban Peasant. I wouldn't be so interested in cooking and eating today if it weren't for him and his simple, unpretentious cooking show and cookbooks. Though he mercifully died of natural causes at the ripe age of 84, he did so suddenly, at his dining table, with a pot of soup going on the stove. A salute to you, James, and thank you.

Michelle, I came here myself to mourn James Barber, and am touched by your post. Yesterday, I found myself thinking of him all day, only to come home to the news that he had passed away. He was irrepressable, charming and witty, and a dream dinner guest/host. I still make some of his recipes (cantaloupe with asparagus is a fabulous side dish), his flavour combinations were often quite original. I wish his cooking show were available on DVD.

It was chicken soup, by the way.