Monday, December 20, 2010

Canine Treat Recipes for Christmas Baking


It's hard to tell this one that TREATS are running low in the house.



In browsing through some recipes for doggie treats, I came upon this one. I think Miss Abigail, Raven and Ruby will like these.

Working most of the week in a frenzy and then off Christmas Eve.

 As usual, Christmas cookie baking starts about 2 pm on Christmas Eve and then Apple Cidar is brewing on the stove with a bag of spices, cloves and orange slices with cookies there to munch on through the evening. This year Abbie, with her sweet tooth, I think would like these to add to the list. 

I have made a wish on the Lunar Eclipse tonight for a Christmas miracle and hope it comes true on Christmas. I guess we all can hope.

I have never made doggie treats from scratch but have collected recipes such as this. I already have the dog bone shaped tins from  last year and we'll see how this goes.

Peanut Butter Slice and Bake Biscuits !!!!!!  Recipe number 1


Ingredients


•1 cup whole wheat flour

•¾ cup smooth peanut butter

•½ cup water

•2 tablespoons molasses

•2 tsp plain wheat germ

•¼ tsp sea salt

•¼ cup shredded dried beef, saved for top of cookies



Directions
1.Pre-heat oven to 375°.

2.In a pot on top of the stove, place your peanut butter, molasses, water, wheat germ and salt. Warm at medium heat.

3.Melt the ingredients together, whisking quickly.

4.Once melted and smooth, take the peanut butter mixture, which should now be nearly liquid, and put in a small bowl.

5.Measure your flour into a large mixing bowl, and fold in your liquid mixture slowly until your dough is soft. Be sure to have a well-floured board ready to go!

6.Once you have your dough mixed to the consistency you desire, turn it onto your floured board, roll it into a log shape. Place it in the refrigerator for two hours, until your dough is hard enough to slice into ¼-inch sections. If you are in a real rush, you can place it in the freezer for ½ hour until firm.

7.Have a cookie sheet ready to go, and spray it lightly with a non-stick spray.

8.Place your slice and bake cookies on the cookie sheet.

9.Put the dried beef in a blender or food processor to chop it.

10.Sprinkle the top of each cookie with your shredded, dried beef.

11.Bake for 25 minutes. Turn off the oven and let your cookies dry out as the oven cools down. This will make them hard and help keep them fresh. It will also bring out the flavor and make it more intense.

12.Once your cookies have completely cooled, it is time to place them in an air-tight container. You can either gift wrap them if you are giving them as a gift, or store them in your freezer up to three months until you are ready to serve them. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

To save time in a pinch, you can also make the dough and freeze it for up to three months until you are ready to use it. I love these slice and bake treats because they are fun, fast and, most of all, easy!

Recipe number 2

 Apple Crisp Dog Biscuits


These biscuits can be kept frozen for up to three months, or kept in an airtight container for two weeks.

INGREDIENTS:
•¾ cups beef broth

•1/3 cup sunflower seeds, shelled

•1 cup dark rye flour

•1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour

•½ cup barley flakes

•½ cup rolled oats

•½ cup buckwheat flour

•1 cup dried apples, chopped

•½ cup apples, peeled, seeded and chopped small

•2 tablespoons plain wheat germ

•1 large egg

•2 tablespoons safflower oil

•2 tablespoons dark molasses

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 375°

2.Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray.

3.Separate the egg yolk from the egg white, and set aside in two bowls.

4.In a blender or food processor, combine beef broth, oil, egg yolk and molasses until mixed very well.

5.In a large mixing bowl, add all of your dry ingredients.

6.Now, slowly add the liquid. This will form sticky dough. Make sure you flour both your hands and your cutting board.

7.Roll out your dough to ¼ thickness and cut into any shape you like. I use my small dog bone cookie cutter, but feel free to use any shape you like.

Now, here is the second part that will make your biscuits brown and crunchy.



1.Bake for 20 minutes at 375°.

2.Remove the biscuits from oven, and use a pastry brush to paint the tops with your egg whites. This will make them shiny and give them a nice golden color.

3.After you brush the biscuit tops, return them to the oven to bake for another ten minutes.

4.Very important: When the biscuits are brown, turn the oven down to 200°, and leave them in the oven for two hours.

5.Then and only then, turn the oven off. Leave the biscuits in the oven as long as you can to dry them out further. This will make them hard, and it will also give them a more intense flavor. Chewing very hard biscuits helps keep your dog's teeth clean.

6.I like to leave the biscuits in the oven overnight. The more moisture you take out of the biscuits, the longer they will keep.

7.Be sure to let the biscuits cool at least eight hours before storing.

Yields 30 biscuits.
This biscuit has great fiber and flavor, and is a healthy treat for your dog.



Just because she sits in my lap ALL the time whether it's writing or stitching.


Doesn't mean she is spoiled one bit.



But she loves treats. So, because she is not spoiled a bit, I will consider making one of these recipes for her this year.  ;)

This lump of white sugar has been a huge blessing this year.

Till later,
Jennifer

5 comments:

  1. Dear Jennifer, what a great post:) and goodies on your tree...Sweet Abbey in a pink sweater:)
    I was just reading of the coinciding of the Eclipse and Winter Solstice for the first time since 1638 ...I will say a little prayer that your "miracle wish" comes true...you so deserve it:)
    Hugs,
    ~Gail

    ReplyDelete
  2. Miss Abby: You must give mommy a big kiss for the treats she is making for you Raven and Ruby.
    Merry Christmas
    Catherine

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you for the recipes, my girls will love them. Merry Christmas to you and yours, along with the not spoiled Miss Abigail.
    LiBBiE in Oz

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am glad that Abby has been a blessing to you. I think of her as your little angel. God bless you, Jennifer, and Merry Christmas. I hope your wish on the Lunar Eclipse comes true.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Spoiled puppy??? Now why would we ever think that? *smile*
    We have gotten a puppy for Christmas. He is nothing short of a Godsend to us. After having 2 really tough years, we needed a little furry happy face to come into our lives and change our attitudes. He has done exactly that! Also white and also darling, and quite honestly, not spoiled. *right!*
    Thanks for the recipes.....I can't wait to try them.
    MMMMMMMMM I can smell your cider...........

    ReplyDelete

Comments are welcome at the homestead at any time! I appreciate your time out of your day to stop and say hello!!
I hope you find some useful information and gentle inspiration for your day.
Jennifer