1 - dairy-free, with the exception of butter

2 - travels well

3 - can be made ahead, with

4 - minimal work to do immediately before serving.

All of my go-tos have cheese or cream in them - AH!

I will be taking dinner to a friend's home who lives about 5 minutes from me, and our families will be sharing the meal.

Under other circumstances, we would be eating here, however, they just finished their new home, and want us to join them there.

On top of that, I have a creepy crawling, almost walking babe that I have to contend with during preparation, so that somewhat limits my prep time availability.

Please help!

Since I am the dairy-free stick in the mud, maybe I will make a kick%$# salad and just eat that and make a big pan of lasagne for everyone else...that would solve everything, wouldn't it...'ceptin the last meal I made for them was manicotti, so I don't want to be a one-note wonder.....