Thanks, Food Network!

I hate trying a new recipe for an actual event. There's no way to know how it's going to turn out for sure.

My daughter Lisa asked me to bring a pasta salad to Jack's birthday celebration. Sounds easy, right? Except it just happens to be something I've never made and I don't have a recipe on file for. Sooo, Food Network to the recipe rescue, I hope. I used one from Emeril and made it last night so the flavors could meld together.

I cooked the pasta al dente as per Emeril's directions, but I'm afraid it's too al dente and that I haven't got enough other flavors in it, used sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, salami, provolone cheese, and veggies with Tuscan Italian dressing.

But what does it taste like today? Easy way to figure it out, taste it this morning. I'm afraid. If it's terrible, I can't start over. I suppose I could buy some from Kroger on the way to the party but I've already spent a lot on the ingredients. Second option, not taste it and just put it out -- scary! OK, I'll be back; I'm going to the fridge for a minute.

Whew, it's pretty good! Emeril was right; the al dente pasta soaked up the dressing and really has some flavor. Thanks, Food Network!