perfect potluck pasta salad / mom's tuna & shells

my mom made big vats of this stuff growing up. it tastes like summer to me. she always whipped it together in one of those large stainless steel bowls every mother seems to have on hand for church parties (or porridge for seven children). it's definitely a recipe for sharing as it makes a ginormous bowl-full.

until recently i have never actually written down the recipe. i am usually craving it and call my mom from the pasta aisle in the grocery store to make sure i have all the ingredients in my shopping cart. i decided it's a must on the blog. living in a home away from home, i've come to realize how handy it is to turn to my blog for favorite recipes as my dog-eared cookbooks are all packed away.

Tuna and Shells 
from Marty's kitchen

22 oz. package of small macaroni sea shells
3 hard boiled eggs, chopped
4 cans of tuna, drained
1 red bell pepper, diced
bunch of green onions, chopped
6 - 8 celery sticks, chopped
can of sliced black olives
 4 - 5  large spoonfuls of light Miracle Whip
salt and pepper

Boil pasta shells in a large pot (set timer for the least amount of cooking time on the directions so the pasta won't be too soft). To save time, I usually throw the eggs into the same pot of boiling water. It works like a charm. Meanwhile, wash and chop the rest of your ingredients. I usually make someone else drain the cans of tuna, as that chore is my least favorite. Feel free to add anything else from your fridge that sounds tasty.  

Drain and rinse pasta (and eggs) in cold water. Place eggs in a bowl of ice water for ease in peeling them. Set aside. Pour vegetables and tuna in a large bowl and mix together. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add pasta shells and hard boiled eggs (chopped). Now fold in the Miracle Whip, try not to think of the calories. This is when you might gross out because you are one of those people who highly prefer mayonnaise over Miracle Whip. And I will tell you to go ahead and use whatever you love. I usually use a regular rubber spatula and mix in two scoops at a time, watching for a good consistency. Stir until the salad is well combined. My mom always liked to top it off with a dash of paprika. Keep cold until your party starts. Enjoy.

on a side note / yes, i am loving the time traveler's wife so far. it's entertaining and sweet and kept me reading the whole way on our two hour road trip. am half way through and am reading it into the wee hours. don't you just love books that keep you up at night?! a very good, relaxing summer read. the story is told, ping ponging back and forth, by two main characters who just happen to be falling in love. i love when characters seem so real that you are surprised to learn they are brunette, as your mind's eye prefers to keep them blonde. another sign that i am fascinated with a book, it inspires me to write.