Fix-It and Forget-It

1. You’re sad because your child is starting school (that sweet little vulnerable person who has also exasperated you plenty) and you need some emotional back-up.

2. You’re gleeful (but it wouldn’t seem right to say it out loud) that the summer is almost over and life is about to become quieter and more routine. (Can’t the sound of a school bus be really great?!) Time for a little celebrating.

3. You haven’t seen your neighbors very much this summer with everyone’s comings and goings.

4. You haven’t seen your sisters or brothers much lately either.

5. There’s a great Labor-Day concert in the park. Invite your good friends to join you for a potluck picnic before the music.

6. Football season is about to start—and everyone needs company. Those who watch football and those who don’t.

7. Your local Borders closed, so how else will you find other book-lovers and readers to talk to?

8. Your yard and flowerbeds are still beautiful, and you’d like to show them off at least once more before things turn brown and start dying.

9. You’ve survived summer’s drought or a surprise earthquake or unspeakable hurricane winds and water—and you’d like to celebrate modestly.

10. You found a recipe you can’t wait to try, but it makes too much for your household. So you need to share it with friends who love food. Stage a potluck. Ask each guest to bring a recipe they’ve been wanting to try, but it makes too much. . .

There have got to be other good reasons for bringing on a potluck! What are you thinking of?!

Here’s a recipe from our upcoming new cookbook—Fix-It and Enjoy-It Potluck Heaven. Make it if you’re hosting or being a guest.

Tortellini Caesar Salad
Fix-It and Enjoy-It Potluck Heaven

Makes 10 servings
Prep Time: 30-35 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

9-oz. pkg. frozen cheese tortellini
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup milk
¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups torn romaine lettuce, or other salad greens
1 cup seasoned croutons, optional
halved cherry tomatoes, optional

1. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, milk, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and garlic. Mix well.
3. Put cooled tortellini in large bowl.
4. Add romaine and remaining ¼ cup Parmesan.
5. Just before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.
6. Top with croutons and tomatoes, if you wish.

Tips:
1. Tomatoes add great color and flavor. I always use them.
2. I don’t always have croutons on hand, but they add great crunch and subtle flavor.
3. I dress this salad lightly and use the remaining dressing for other green, leafy salads later in the week.