MASHED POTATO VOLCANOES WITH HOT LAVA

Steps:

• Put the diced potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water.
• Bring to a simmer, then cover and simmer over medium heat until tender, about 15 minutes.
• When the potatoes are done, drain them and transfer to a mixing bowl.
• Add the margarine and 1/2 cup milk and stir.
• Mash the potatoes well with a potato masher, then add a little salt if desired.
• In the meantime, make the "lava."
• Heat the 1 cup milk in a small saucepan.
• Dissolve the flour in just enough water to make it smooth and flowing.
• When the milk is hot, stir the dissolved flour slowly into the saucepan.
• Sprinkle in the cheese and stir until it melts.
• Simmer the mixture gently until smooth and thick.
• Stir the ketchup into the sauce, but leave some red streaks showing, so that it looks "fiery."
• Divide the mashed potatoes among 4 serving plates.
• Have everyone shape them into mountains, then press the tops down lightly to flatten, and finally make a small indentation at the very top with their thumb.
• Then, have the children arrange some of the broccoli florets around the base of the volcano.
• Let each child pour some of the "lava" into the indentation at the top of each "volcano" with a small ladle.
• It should flow down the sides.
• It's fine if it drips over the "greenery" too.
• Eat at once, before the lava solidifies into magma!