It's just the way I -role

That may be the dumbest pun ever.

I have recently volunteered to be in charge of organizing a bunch of women (now that I think about it I'm not sure why we can't invite men too--I'll get on that) to prepare hot meals for a homeless/unemployed/what-have-you services center once a month. It's really not a big deal and I really dig being at least somewhat involved in the community. I was much better at it when I was single and childless. Especially when I was underemployed and pennies away from becoming homeless myself. So I'm trying to get back to that part of myself. Meanwhile, I am learning a whole new genre of cooking known as the casserole.

People cringe at the word and I'm pretty sure it's considered all kinds of lame and 1950's housewife, but there is a time and a place for everything. And lest ye be confused I am at best an "adequate" housewife, so I don't think LCD is going to stop cooking West African, Indian, Thai, etc. anytime soon. I had made maybe two casseroles in my life before this new development, though I'm headed for number four in about a week. The thing is it's actually kind of awesome how stinkin' easy these things are. Gourmet they are not (generally). Nor are they interesting and ethnic. But I find myself actually getting excited to try a good macaroni and cheese recipe. Yes, this is what I am becoming. Pretty cool, huh?

This month we are making one of the longest-lived American casserole recipes in existence: The Tuna Noodle Casserole. My friends, we are talking about pasta, canned tuna, and peas as the main ingredients. You better believe I am making one for the homeless people and one for us. Peas are by far my baby's favorite vegetable and here is a chance to really make them sing.

A year from now I may or may not be the Casserole Queen. I'm leaning towards "may not" buy I'm leaving "may" out there as a possibility. These days anything is possible.