>In a prior thread on this topic, there was also suggested >carageenan(sp) and a couple of others which I am not >familiar with. From the Epicurious Dictionary: Also called Irish moss , carrageen is a stubby, purplish seaweed found along the west coast of Ireland, as well as America's Atlantic coast. When dried, carrageen is used in cosmetics and medicines and is greatly valued as a thickening agent for foods such as puddings, ice cream and soups. Isn't that the stuff McDonald's used in their oh-so-popular McLean Deluxe? Scott... dry and tasteless, yet seaweedy... KCK