Oh. My. GOSH. That's really all I could get out when I first saw this incredible gadget. It's the kind of thing that really needs to be in every kitchen in the world. It's a bit like TiVo--yes, you've lived these many years without it, but from the moment you know it exists, you have to have it. And you can't imagine life without it.
What is it?
It's Octodog's Frankfurter Converter, and it will change your life--or at least your hot dog's. Just stick your favorite brand of hot dog into the frankfurter converter holder, push the eyes in to hold the hot dog in place, and put the whole thing in the base. Take the whole thing apart and gently shake the hot dog out--newly formed tentacles and all--cook it however you like, serve, and enjoy.
Maybe you're not seeing the point. If that's the case, then maybe you don't have any kids under age four. My kids would live on a steady diet of hot dogs and jelly beans if I let them. But since hot dogs are a major choking hazard, I find myself slicing freshly boiled (read: really hot!) hot dogs lengthwise into quarters, generally burning my fingers in the process. The Octodog eliminates this hassle and will make the kids laugh, over and over again (I mean, who doesn't find an octopus made out of pig parts and nitrates hilarious?).
At $17 plus shipping and handling, the Frankfurter Converter is a little pricey, but can you really put a price on a child's smile? Or, you know, a child's not choking to death? That's what I thought.