Pray for me.

Our house is a hub--I throw a lot of barbecues and dinner parties, and even when I don't, friends and neighbors innocently stop by at dinner time. So I'm used to cooking for crowds, and I enjoy it, although people who have seen me cooking for crowds might not believe that statement. I do get a vague, hysterical glaze to my eyes in that final five minutes before showtime. In the interest of being a pleasant hostess and/or maintaining some semblance of humanity amidst the steaming pots, I've landed upon two essential rules of cooking for crowds of visitors:
1. Don't try an unfamiliar recipe.
2. Stick to dishes (soups, stews, casseroles, roasts) that don't require a lot of last minute attention.

Tomorrow, I will be sticking to both of those rules (thankfully) as I cook Lasagna for 45 people. Yes, 45 people. In my kitchen with its crappy electric range. Ahhhhhhh!