Octopus Hotdogs, yep that's right

Last week, AnnaLauren and I were trying to decide on what she wanted for dinner.  Tommy and Noah had requested a dinner of veggies only.  AnnaLauren will not do veggies only so I was going through the list of meat options for her - chicken nuggets - no, fish sticks - no, ABC's & 123's - no, chicken & rice - no.

We were both exasperated. 

Then, AnnaLauren looked up at me and said, "Mother Mudder, I want real fun dinner!"

Ok then.

So I did what any super fun mom would do - I made Octopus Hotdogs.  Served with mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, a crescent roll and the required princess vitamin - all was right with the world!

A Quick "How To"
1.  Choose your favorite hotdog and lay it flat on your cutting board (or a paper towel)

2.  Make a cut all the way through starting about 3/4 of the way up the hotdog

3.  Roll the hotdog 1/2 turn and cut again

4.  Stand him up and splay out the legs.  I also cut an "X" into the top.

5.  Nuke in the microwave for about a minute or drop into boiling water.

6.  Serve with ketchup for dipping!

7.  Explain to your children that octopi do indeed have 8 legs and not four but that these were obviously either injured in a fierce battle with a great white shark or victims of a tragic boat propeller accident. :)

Have a fantastic week!