((Donna Erickson))

Turn a ho-hum Saturday meal into a memorable family activity when you dive into this Octopus Lunch Surprise recipe.

Using a few simple ingredients kids love, imaginations can soar when everyone creates an underwater scene right on his plate.

Make a shopping list, pick up what you need together and you'll soon be on your way to playing with your food, kid-style!

OCTOPUS LUNCH SURPRISE

Makes 4 servings.

4 hot dogs

6 ounces spinach fettuccine or shell-shaped pasta

Butter to taste

4 bread slices

4 cheese slices

8 whole cloves or raisins

Several cocktail-size sausages (optional)

To create octopuses: Slice hot dog lengthwise down center, leaving 1 1/2 inches at 1 end. (Note: Uncut end will be octopus head.) Hand child a pair of clean, easy-to-handle scissors. Instruct child to cut each half in half lengthwise, forming 4 arms. Cut each arm again to form 8 arms. (Note: Be careful to keep octopus arms attached to head.) Repeat with remaining hot dogs. Use same technique with cocktail-size wieners, cutting 4 arms, to create small squid.

To prepare pasta: Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Toss gently with butter.

To cook hot dogs: Meanwhile, bring large pan of water to a boil. Adult should place hot dogs in boiling water. Watch how octopus arms immediately curl as hot dog heats through and casing tightens. Carefully remove from pan.

To make open-faced cheese sandwiches: Meanwhile, use fish-themed

Advertisement
or star-shaped cookie cutters to cut bread. Using same cutters, cut cheese slices. Top bread with cheese. Broil until cheese bubbles and browns slightly.

To serve: Mound pasta on individual serving plates. Set each octopus with head upright and legs dangling outward on top of pasta (the seaweed). Insert 2 whole cloves or raisins next to each other (the eyes) into head of octopus. Set 1 or 2 small sausages (the squid) on side of plate. Serve with cheese sandwiches.

Extra learning fun: Watch a short, popular video on your computer showing recent discovery of octopuses manipulating discarded coconut shells and using them for protective shelter. View it and read more interesting information about octopuses with your family at nationalgeographic.com. Search the site with these keywords: "octopus" and "coconut shell."

Donna Erickson's award-winning television series, "Donna's Day," is airing on public television nationwide. Watch it in the Twin Cities at 7:30 a.m. Fridays on tptLife on channels 13 and 17. Sign up for Donna's e-newsletter at donnasday.com. Her latest book is "Donna Erickson's Fabulous Funstuff for Families."