I am always on the hunt for new dinner ideas that will please my picky eaters and that don’t include hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, or pizza. Sometimes I think my kids think those are the four major food groups! I came across this recipe for tortellini totem poles the other day and I am so excited to try it out. My plan is to place all the ingredients out in bowls on the counter and then let my kids make thier own. I think they will have a blast making them and because they did it all themselves they will hopefully be more likely to eat and enjoy it. I will probably leave out some of the ingredients that aren’t as kid friendly and substitute others according to what I have on hand.
Here is what you need:
- 2 cups tortellini (cheese, meat, vegetable – your choice!), cooked, drained and cooled
- 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese (bocconcini or cut into 1-inch cubes) — I will probably use whatever cheese I have on hand.
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup black olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup cucumber peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing — I will probably use ranch dressing instead.
Here is the link to the tutorial -> Tortellini Totem Poles
Photo Credit: Food Network
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