On rare occasions the database gets locked by the file system, and doesn’t unlock normally. Try this:

1. Quit MacGourmet Deluxe
2. Locate your MacGourmet4Database file (usually in Documents) and choose File > Get Info.
3. In the window that is displayed, look at Sharing & Permissions, and ensure that the value given for You can is Read & Write.
4. If it already does, then with the MacGourmet4Database file still selected, right-click, or control-click on the file and choose Show Package Contents which will open a window. Now, select the MacGourmet.mgdb file and choose Get Info, and make sure You can says Read & Write for that, as well.