Octo-Dogs and Shells

We made this recipe one day last week and I was amazed at how well everyone at it. It is interesting how much presentation plays into consumption, especially when children are involved!

Here is what you will need:

4 hot dogs
1 1/2 c. uncooked small shell pasta
1 1/2 c. frozen mixed vegetables
1 c. prepared Alfredo sauce
Prepared yellow mustard in a squeeze bottle
Goldfish crackers

Directions:
1. Lay 1 hot dog on side with end facing you. Starting 1 inch from the end, slice hot dog vertically in half. Roll hot dog 1/4 turn and slice in half vertically again, making 4 segments connected at the top. Slice each segment in half vertically, creating a total of 8 "legs." Repeat with each hot dog.

2. Place hot dogs in medium saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat; set aside.

3. Prepare pasta according to package directions, stirring in vegetables during last 3 minutes of cooking time. Drain; return to pan. Stir in Alfredo sauce. Heat over low heat until heated through. Divide pasta mixture between 4 plates.

4. Drain octo-dogs. Arrange one octo-dog on top of pasta on each plate. Draw faces on "heads" with mustard. Sprinkle crackers over pasta.

Here's the end result: