If you can't stand the heat

Stay the hell out of the kitchen.

It's over 110 degrees today and the idea of even looking at the stove does not in any way appeal. Instead I'm going to grab some leftover pasta and whatever is in the fridge and make a salad. You can make this for one or for many- just depends on how much of the ingredients you put in. This recipe is for a small crowd:

PASTA TRICOLORE

1/2 lb penne or small ziti pasta

1/3 cup grated Parmasean
1 cup mushroom, diced
3-4 oz Genoa salami, cubed
2 small tomatoes, diced
1 tbsp of Italian seasoning [mixed dried herbs]

1 small bunch asparagus (tips & tops) cut 1" pieces

1/3 - 1/2 cup zesty Italian salad dressing

Toss the pasta with the salad dressing and the herbs
Add the mushrooms, salami, tomato and asparagus, mixing well
Add the cheese and remaining dressing, mix well and serve