Thanks (fellow) Karen! This is all very helpful.

I found some whey protein isolate at the Vitamin Shoppe, but it was big and expensive. Is it really worth it? Would I use it again? (Or should I just look at the website for more ideas? ). I'm considering using the smaller, and more economical, Atkins Bake Mix.

I'll probably figure this out on my own (I'm on vacation starting Thursday, so I plan to do a good deal of footwork in preparation for the Derby Party), but can you find unsweetened chocolate at a regular grocery store? I'm in Manhattan, so I can get to specialty shops if I have to. Also, can you find pre-ground nuts at the store? As mentioned over on the veggie forum, I don't have a food processor yet.

Same question with Splenda. Do people buy this at the grocery store? I didn't see it at GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe. I should probably stock up on it anyway; it would be nice to have low-carb baking options given the fact that my best cooking skills are still my baking skills!

This forum is great!