How 2 Cook: Make Woof-tastic Treats For Your Spoiled Dog
Alright, I'll admit it - I'm one of those people who cook for their dog.
I cook things like scrambled eggs, chicken and meatloaf for Sparky, but rarely (if ever) cook for myself, my husband or anyone else. As a matter of fact, and as I've blogged previously, the people who work in the prepared foods section of my neighborhood Whole Foods know me by name. (And not judging anyone else, but gotta add here that I do draw the line at dressing my dog up in outfits or jewelry. Even I think that's kinda creepy. Kidding...Not really.)
Anyway, this week, Sparky was sick with a cough and arthritis and it was my friend Mary, not me, who surprised him with some homemade dog treats, which he love, love, loved! (Happy to report that Sparky is doing much better now, thanks mostly to our friend Tony. He recommended the veterinarian he uses for his dogs who put Sparky on some great new meds that have him almost back to his old doggie self. #Hooray)
So, if you're like me and you cook for - and spoil - your dog, then you definitely want the recipe for these treats. Mary was inspired by a recipe from a Food Network Superstar (Giada, who's pretty, stylish and talented - In other words, please don't sue me, Giada.). She then went on to put her own special spin on it, taking out an ingredient or 2 and making sure that the remaining ingredients she used were all organic. Btw, Mary, like Giada, is pretty, stylish and talented. We're also both fans of eating super healthy and, whenever possible, eating organic.
Here's the Woof-tastic Dog Treat Recipe:
Buy This:
- Cooking Spray
- 2 cups whole wheat floor
- 1/2 cup of oats
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
Do This:
A. To Make The Dough
- Pre-Heat your oven to 375.
- Apply an ultra thin layer of cooking spray to your cookie sheet and put it aside for now. (You'll need it soon enough.)
- Mix flour, oats and baking powder together in a big bowl.
- Add in PB (Once you add in your PB, you will have a dough consistency.)
B. To Prep The Treats
- Sprinkle some of that whole wheat flour on your cutting board or work surface.
- Knead your dough and then, roll it out. (It should be no more than 1/2 inch thick.)
- Using a cookie cutter (or a glass or coffee cup if you don't have a cc handy), cut out the treats and place on your cookie sheet.
C. Bake
- For about 20 minutes - Keep an eye on them and watch for them to turn golden brown. That's your cue to take them out of the oven.
And the finished product might look something like these:
PS - Mary used a gingerbread man shaped cookie cutter. Hey, it's called creative license. And Sparky couldn't have cared less what shape they were - he just woof'ed them down.