Making the Rounds
by Kegler

Ten answers must be modified to form new words before entry, as suggested by 26 Across.  2 Down is a variant spelling.

Across 1 Funny phrase about swine in inscriptions 7 Discovered in bistro, a cheesy joint 12 Finally believe in lassie, a Scottish highlander 13 Incredibly remote celestial streaker 14 Kay I would tease 16 Girl's name seen in article I lampoon 17 Holds onto green and red serpents 19 Adorable suggestion takes time 20 Idiotic dolt is related 22 Exotic caviar essentially reveals cupidity 24 Officers pass sign describing insects 25 Less colorful month in Italian city 26 See instructions 29 Disabled person's trendy Virginia hat 30 Consuming, say, about one can 32 Perhaps Tina isn't wrong? 34 Runs into club's unruly child 35 Touch sample of cocoa butter 36 Good instrument sent back for free 37 Ticket reseller returns with energy and succeeds 38 Deli product is something used as rocket fuel 39 Improves and stops clinging to me 40 Metamorphosis outcome that hovers, primarily! 41 Island replaces ring of roses in hills 42 Swedes lie about flower in “The Sound of Music”

Down 1 Obscure, but I'll place it somehow 2 Roman magistrate is heartless predator 3 One who wanders, a travelling migrant 4 Communist has one interpretation 5 Father picks up a rare foreign coin 6 Pulled back inside, throws up 7 Broadcast interrupting Rush not appreciated 8 Park employee initially clears out materials 9 Censure half of revelers surrounding career athlete 10 Set up uncovered porch on grounds surrounding river 11 Refer to vision out loud 15 Reportedly, churchman jokes and makes less stuffy 18 Vocalized solo, after the intro, for a drink 21 Has a flashback about error and sends help 23 Weapon for “a real man” 27 Again cover storm enveloping eastern province's capital 28 Ones who feel sorry for tenants maintaining empty place 31 Edges away from hoboes' wind 32 Branches charge interest 33 Make a second mosaic framing head of poisonous snake, perhaps 34 Left in acknowledgement of applause for hit

Solution