Maxi Snacks!

Max Baggs is my brother and sister-in-law's dog. He's a pretty good dog that loves the company of people. But he is so big, that smelling humans butts is his favorite past-time. He is quite obedient when there's snacks or treats involved. I made these treats with whole wheat flour and just a bit of peanut butter. The treats contain a lot of protein and fiber, and are especially great for big dogs that have a ton of energy. The best part is that you only need one bowl to make the dough and the bake up in less than 20 minutes.

INGREDIENTS (makes 1 dozen Maxi snacks)

• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup soy flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• small pinch of sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 heaping tablespoon creamy peanut butter
• About 1/4 beef broth or chicken broth or stock

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, combine whole wheat flour, soy flour, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese and sugar. Mix.
3. Make a well in the middle and add egg and peanut butter and half of broth. With your hands, combine all ingredients until it comes together to a ball, adding more beef broth, if needed.
4. Roll out dough to 1/4" on a floured surface and cut out shapes or circles with cookie cutters or a small glass.
5. Place cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
6. Bake for 7 minutes, then turn over and bake 5 to 7 more minutes until lightly browned (it will be hard to see they are browned because whole wheat flour is a light brown color, so keep an eye on them).
7. Cool completely before feeding a cookie to your dog. Scooby Doo would be proud!

The Bean Diaries

Name: Bean "Chirruris" Owens
Breed: Crazy Teacup Chihuahua
Hometown: Oahu, Hawaii and Chula Vista, CA
Hobbies: running, jumping, humping, running away, bothering Princess, playing with Lilu, eating grass, snuggling with Lilu at night.

BEAN'S CHEESY GARLIC TREATS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 Tablespoon garlic powder (not garlic salt!)
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2/3 to 3/4 cup tepid water
• Equipment: cookie cutters, preferably dog shapes

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine flour and cheese and mix well. Add the olive oil and garlic powder.

Slowly add the water to the flour mixture, 2 tablespoons at a time, until you get a workable, yet slightly stiff dough. Don't be afraid if there are some crumbs left behind.

Knead the dough for two minutes.

Roll out on floured surface to 1/2" thick, cut into shapes. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Cool on wire rack. Refrigerate in airtight container.

The Princess Diaries, Part Deux

Name: Princess Diaz
Breed: Short hair Chihuahua
Hometown: Chula Vista, CA
Hobbies: Sleeping, tanning, eating chicken, barking at Elvis (the evil dog that lives next door), did I mention sleeping?

Dear Diary:

La pinche Bean doesn't leave me alone. I don't know how poor Lilu can stand her. Sometimes I just want to slap Bean...if only these paws would let me. Today was sunny (finally) and I tanned a little. Then Lilu and I went up the side of the hill and pooped and peed, and then the ridiculous Bean followed us. Then I took a nap. Ate a bit more. Cleaned myself. Took another nap and my so-called owners fed me chicken, which is my favorite. After that big meal, I tanned some more then took a 4 hour nap. Oh, I think it's bedtime now. Buenas noches!

SOFT DOGGIE TREATS (for older dogs with sensitive teeth)

INGREDIENTS

• 3 (2 1/2 oz. each) jars of baby food; either beef or chicken
• 1/4 cup Dry milk powder
• 1/4 cup Wheat germ or cream of wheat

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork. Bake in preheated 350F oven for 15 minutes until brown. Cool on wire rack. Refrigerate to keep fresh or freeze. Great for older dogs with teeth problems.

The Ned Diaries

Name: Ned Blaha
Breed: lhasa apso Irish
Hometown: Northfield, MN
Hobbies: Fighting squirrels, peeing on Armida, long walks on the dirt road...

Dear Diary,

Today was a good day. I was able to escape the Blaha household and immediately ran towards Mike's moon unit in the back yard. I peed everywhere and I also tracked a squirrel. The squirrel and I got into a fight, but the little turd ran up the tree. I then walked towards Matthew's vineyard and generously fertilized the ground. *wink* *wink* Then I did a recon of the neighborhood and eventually Jim and Kay (they still think they are my owners) called me and fed me dinner. Yes, it was a good day.

TURKEY TREATS FOR DOGGIES

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped*
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 teaspoons grated cheese
• 1 tablespoon parsley, freshly chopped
• 2 egg
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons brewer's yeast
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine turkey, garlic, cheese, parsley and mix well. Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour over turkey mixture. Add the flour, yeast, and oil. Stir until thoroughly mixed and all ingredients are coated. Drop into small lumps onto ungreased cookie sheet. Cook in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes, until brown and firm. Store in refrigerator or freeze for up to 2 months.

*Note: you can use 2 cups of cooked and chopped chicken livers if you prefer.