Hot food - what to do with it

[Hotcookie]

I've just finished preparing some incredible pasta sauce with tiny meatballs. Problem is it's 10.30pm and I'm ready to retire for the night and the sauce is still very hot. I can't put it in the refrigerator as it will spoil everything else. Can I leave it out all night or will I end up poisoning my guests?

[kentgirl]

hotcookie---you're probably in bed already, so this may not help now. But in the future, you might try giving the sauce an "ice bath", i.e. fill a big bowl with ice, then take a smaller bowl with the sauce and immerse it in the bowl. That should help to bring the temperature down a bit. Then put the sauce in a shallow container so it can cool down even quicker in the refrigerator.

I took a look at your profile and noticed you're from Houston. I'll be in Houston next week (work-related), and will be staying at the Hilton near the Johnson Space Center. What's the weather like in Houston at this time of year? A co-worker mentioned I should visit the downtown Neiman-Marcus store for an "adventure" - she told me to check out the fur coats!

Any restaurant recommendations? Since the company is paying, I might splurge a little.

Any other Houstonians out there? Or is it Houstonites?

[Liz K]

Kwormann is in Houston. I grew up near Houston. I have a friend that works at NASA. But none of that really helps you, does it?

[kwormann]

HI kentgirl

I saw your post..how long will you be here? The weather right now is 65-70, but they are saying cold front..(Im from IN, cold front means different things to me!)

Prepare for rain! It is almost always a possibility! You should go to the Galleria...there is a Neiman Marcus there along with Verchassi, and several other high end stores that I only walk past.....it will be decorated very nicely right now!

Let me know if you would like a "tour guide" while you are here...I would be thrilled to meet another BB member http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Kim http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[jd]

kentgirl, I get to Houston 2-3 times a year on business. If you get to the Galleria area, I recommend Truluck's if you like seafood - their specialty is stone crab. They are at 5919 Westheimer, 713-783-7270. There are lots of other good restaurants in the area, but I can't think of any names right now. Have a great trip!

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by kwormann:
(Im from IN, cold front means different things to me!)
)

kwormann,

I'm not from Indiana or Texas but I've lived (still live in IN) in both places and it's so funny when it comes to perceptions about weather! In TX I was afraid to go out if there was any icy stuff because they have no salt trucks and no one knows how to drive in wintery conditions! Here in IN, they think it's really hot if it's 85 - in Texas that was considered cool in the summer! It's getting pretty cold here in IN and I have a feeling we're in for a big snow year - we've already had snow on the ground....where in IN are you from again?

[kentgirl]

Thanks everyone for the tips on Houston. I fly to Houston on Sunday, and fly home on Thursday morning or Wednesday afternoon, depending on how things go.

Kwormann, thanks so much for your offer of a "tour guide". Maybe I can meet you at the Galleria or Truluck's!! I have absolutely no idea what evening I have free....but if we can connect--that would be great!

[kwormann]

lindrusso

I am from Muncie, my DH from Carmel

Where do you live?

Kentgirl

I will email you with more info on getting ahold of me.

Kim

oops..I just noticed no email for you..if interested, email me http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by kwormann (edited 12-02-2000).]