I’d like to share a simple, SIMPLE recipe for dog treats that Wendy’s neighbor and friend, Mrs. Villaturo, might make for Chanceaux. (Wendy would want to help, of course.) You may see this recipe included in an edition of Bird Face someday, or in a future sequel. What’s great about it is that most readers won’t have to run out and buy any special ingredients.
Lightly grease a baking sheet or cookie pan with a small amount of vegetable oil or other favorite oil or non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, beat one egg with a whisk or fork. Add 1/2 cup of smooth peanut butter (not reduced-fat). Add 2 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of whole oats or quick oats (kids, you’ll see this stated on the box label).
Mix together well with your hands. The mixture will be a little sticky at first in spots, and then coarse and dry. (I recommend you first remove rings from your fingers.)
Slowly add up to about 1/4 cup of water a small amount at a time, and mix it in until a ball forms. You may need more or less water, depending on the humidity and altitude in your area.
Break off pieces of dough, roll them into small balls, and flatten them by hand into thin cookies, sized to suit your dog(s). If you prefer, roll the dough out flat with a rolling pin and slice it into bars or use a cookie cutter.
Place cookies on the pan. You don’t need much space between them because they don’t rise or spread.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies. They should be slightly browned and stiff. You can try one yourself to test it–they are fine for humans, although not sweet. And boy, do they smell good!
Remove cookies from the pan to cool on a tray or countertop. When completely cooled, store them in a covered container. I made about 16-18 medium-sized cookies for my dogs with this recipe.
My dogs LOVE these, and they’d be a good Christmas or Hanukkah gift for any dog owner. Next time, I’m going to try substituting cheddar or bacon with drippings for the peanut butter.
I’m dying to find out if your dog will like these treats as much as mine do. If you try this recipe or any variations of it, will you let me know?
Bird Face Wendy 