Potluck Pasta Salad

This is my go to I-forgot-tomorrow-is-treat-day-pasta-salad.  Its really easy to make and tastes great!


Make two boxes of Betty Crocker Classic Suddenly Pasta Salad according to package directions.

 

Do you have one of these little measuring cups?  I love mine and have 2 others that are similar.  The other two are smaller, holding no more than 3 TBS each.  You can find these at Walmart. 

 

Another view

 

Rinse and drain the cooked pasta according to package directions, adding in the seasoning packet, oil and water as directed.  Then dice up an entire 8 oz block of mozzarella cheese.

 

And throw in a bag of mini pepperoni. Of note, I was cheap this day, but I'd recommend the name brand over the store brand of mini pepperoni.  The store brand is bigger, thicker and I don't like them as well.
 

 

Throw all together, chill and enjoy!

 

While making the pasta salad, I decided to make blue box macaroni and cheese.  I already had the pasta pot and a colander out, so why not, right?!?   If though you decide to do this, make certain you remember which is the pasta seasoning packet and which is the macaroni and cheese packet!  I nearly made cheesy Italian pasta salad!  I doubt that would have been very good!
 

 

So, I got the milk out and noticed a few things.  First, theres a notice to refrigerate after opening.  Normally you read that on products that are bought at room temperature and need to be refrigerated once opened.  I bought the milk in the cooler/milk section, so it was cold when I bought it.  So, why the notice to refrigerate after opening?
 

 

Another notice to chill (and shake) before serving.  Can you buy room temperature milk???
 

Now check out the sell by date!  DECEMBER 11!!!  What kind of milk are they making these days!  Though it does say above its best if used within 7 days of opening, I'm still not familiar with any kind of milk that lasts over three months from the purchase date. I guess if milk ever goes on sale you could buy several months worth and just not open it until needed now!?!  If this is so, this is great for the person like me who rarely buys milk and only does so if I intend to make a specific recipe.  If this is true, I can buy milk now and just keep in the fridge for the next three months or until I need it.  Weird.