Yes, I'm lucky my son will eat anything, or at least try it. And the other 2 children love olives, one will eat hard cheese, but not mac n' cheese (but pizza is a yes). Go figure. I think I will go forward with my farro idea, and consider all of the great dessert ideas. Thanks again for helping me sort it through!

I'm impressed that your finicky eaters go for cheese and olives. Or mushrooms. You run with a sophisticated crowd. So go earthy with an apple pie a la mode for dessert. With sharp cheddar on the side.

Thanks so much - great suggestions. Oddly, I know that these kids love mushrooms, but not so sure about the farro. Love the pickled prune recipe, if not for the dinner, soon thereafter. Lemon desserts sound refreshing, but here the kids may win out with a chocolate theme, maybe the mousse? Now I have lots to think about!

With respect for your choice, I 'd advise that for kids I'd play it safer than mushrooms and do a macaroni and cheese but with pureed butternut squash. Martha Stewart had a good one. My kid wouldn't eat mushrooms until he was a young teen. I might also do collard greens on the side, some cornbread and go Whole Southern.

My answer to the make-everyone-happy meal is either hummos or refried beans, with a big platter of stuffings and sauces, and pita/tortillas. Depends on ages and preferences, but it worked for my kids.

I'm a big fan of fruit crisps as a simple but tasty dessert. I'd personally make sure the kids are good with mushrooms. I'm not a huge fan (love to pick 'em, but only really like certain varieties for eating.) Mushrooms are not a deal breaker for me now, but I was a kid there's no way I'd have eaten the farro risotto with mushrooms. I'd add a nice salad to the menu as well. I'd also think about adding gingerroots chevré devils, AntoniaJames spice-brined nuts (several recipes on this site) or my pickled prunes to your cheese plate for a little added pizzazz.
http://www.food52.com/recipes/5277_chevre_devils
http://www.food52.com/recipes/7334_crispy_spicebrined_pecans
http://www.food52.com/recipes/9268_pickled_prunes

I think after a delicious and healthy dinner like that (which sounds deelish BTW) something chocolatey would be great. Mousse perhaps?

A nice green vegetable side dish would help. If you can find it---the birds eye gold foil warped whole uncut green beans. Heat up a pan of olive oil to just warm...add some garlic and fresh rosemary. Let that sit on very low warm to infused the oil. Remove the garlic and rosemary sprig. Remove the foil from the bean package...and just defrost them. They should be crunchy and bright green. (You could also blanch some fresh whole green beans). Toss in the warm oil, season with salt..add some bread crumbs and serve topped with Parmesan Cheese.

Sounds great! For dessert, how about the lemon sponge cups that won this week's wildcard (i'm dying to try them!) http://www.food52.com/recipes/4185_aunt_mariahs_lemon_sponge_cups
or Lazy Mary's lemon tart
http://www.food52.com/recipes/1374_lazy_marys_lemon_tart