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