Tomato Caterpillar Salad

[15 Minutes]

Tomatoes, which are technically fruits, are a staple in Italian cooking. Tomatoes originated in South America and were brought to Italy in the 16th century. The tomato is rich in vitamin C , with significant amounts of vitamin A, vitamin B, potassium, and fiber. There are many varieties of tomatoes, the most common include beefsteak, plum and cherry tomatoes. Use cherry tomatoes to create a creative summer salad.

You'll need:

• 3-4 cherry tomatoes • small celery leaves or parsley • lettuce leaves • toothpick • wooden skewer or plastic straw • salad dressing

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them together before you begin.
2. Together, gather everything you’ll need and always remember cooking safety.
3. If you are handling food, be sure to wash your hands.
4. Let your child make a row of three to four cherry tomatoes on a small plate.
5. Help him attach them using a wooden skewer or straw.
6. Poke two holes in the end of the tomato with a toothpick.
7. Let him insert small celery leaves or parsley sprigs into the holes.
8. Lay the "caterpillar" on a bed of lettuce leaf "grass."
9. Enjoy with your favorite salad dressing.

Useful information:

It is my turn to help with the cooking on Sundays. My step mom and I made this salad to eat with our barbecued chicken. My little sister, who won't eat vegetables, ate her entire "caterpillar." I think if we had made more, she would have eaten a second helping. (Georgie, age 10)