Rehearsal Dinners, Weddings, and Pasta Salad

Well, my cousin's wedding is over. All went well. I was hoping to have some photos of the cake to post, but forgot to take the digital camera so when I get a few photos scanned in I'll try to post some here. The cake was gorgeous. My Aunt Sheryle did a fabulous job.

Dean's family did all the food prep for the rehearsal dinner. Sheryle asked me to put together this pasta salad. It's really yummy.

Pasta Salad

For the dressing combine:
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups Hellman's Mayo (must be Hellman's)
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup sugar

Set aside.

For the salad combine:
16 ounces cooked, drained and cooled pasta
3 carrots, finely diced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 green pepper, finely chopped
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 ounces frozen peas
1 cup crumbled bacon
1 can black olives, sliced

Pour dressing over salad. Season with salt and pepper.

Just before serving, add 2 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes.

Best if refrigerated overnight prior to serving.

A Fun Casserole

I love finding casseroles that are a little unique. Casseroles can get boring and it's nice to find one that's a little more interesting.

Sausage Pie

1 lb. sausage (or turkey sausage)
1/2 medium green pepper, chopped
1/2 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon cooking oil
3 cups cooked long grain rice (we use brown rice)
4 to 5 medium tomaties, peeled and chopped (you can substitute canned)
1 package (10 ounces) frozen forn, thawed
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (you can substitute with 1 tablespoon dried)
1 teaspon dried basil
1 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

1. Cook sausage in skillet until fully cooked. Add peppers and cooking oil and cook until peppers are soft.
2. Combine all ingredients except bread crumbs and butter. Place in a 3-qt casserole.
3. Combine the bread crumbs and butter, and sprinkle on top of casserole.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30-40 minutes or until heated through.

Yield: 6-8 servings.