Homemade Dog Cookies

I started making Charlie his dog treats about a year ago after learning of his food allergies. Not only do I think he prefers fresh cookies, making my own treats is a way to control the ingredients, fat, calories etc. I usually try and mix up the recipes a little bit, but this one is simple, easy and he loves it.

Ingredients

·         1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

·         ½ cup apple sauce

·         1 cup oats

·         1 banana

·         ½ cup peanut butter

·         1 ¼ cups hot water

·         ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Mash banana with a fork until smooth. 3. In a large bowl mix all ingredients one at a time, kneading well after each addition. 4. Knead dough into ball and roll onto a floured surface 1/4 inch thick. 5. Cut with the cookie cutter of your choice.6. Place on your prepared cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until edges browned. Cool and refrigerate.

Yields 4 - 5 dozen dog bones.

*Note: If you want a "shinier look," you can also brush a thin coat of egg whites on the cookies before baking them.

These also make for a cute gift to other fur parents!

BarkBox: Mailman + Dog = Friends

Have you signed your pup up for BarkBox yet? Charlie just received his second box and is obsessed with all his new things! 
(If you don't know about BarkBox yet, check out {this post}!   I swear Charlie is actually starting to welcome the mailman's daily visit in hopes there is a package is for him...

{August BarkBox goodies}

August BarkBox Review: A
1.   Bocce’s Bakery The Elvis - Peanut butter, banana, and bacon flavored cookies. Charlie’s second favorite item from the August box, and they are wheat-free! These smell so delicious that I am tempted to try one.  2. Acadia Antlers - This is a moose antler. We cannot pry this bone away from Charlie. Seriously, he will chew on it till he is too tired to keep going. 3. Milk-Bone Trail Mix- Trail mix for pups?! Seriously adorable and the perfect little treat for us to carry with us for day trips. 4. Hyper Pet Flying Pig – Charlie’s favorite item from this box. Personally, I find the toy absolutely hilarious. 5. Natures Miracle Dog Freshening Spray – pretty much doggy cologne for in between baths, and it smells GREAT!

 

 And the best news? 

Groupon is offering a BarkBox deal - 3 months for $35 (47% off) plus FREE SHIPPING!

So hurry up and go sign up! Your pup {and mailman} will thank you!

Grilled Tilapia with Avocado Salsa

I have been on such an avocado kick recently. Seriously, I average a whole bag of Trader Joe's avocados a week these days. Here is one of my most recent avocado topped creations that I've been serving weekly...

Ingredients:

1 lb tilapia

1 tbs olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup rice

1 can black beans {15 oz}

1 can corn {11 oz}

Avocado salsa

1 avocado, peeled, seeded and sliced

1 small red onion, sliced

Juice from 2 limes

3 tbs olive oil

2 tbs finely chopped cilantro

Salt to taste

Directions: 

1. Prepare rice as directed. 

2. Mix the salt, chili powder, cumin, onion powder and black pepper together, rub the tilapia fillets with olive oil and this seasoning mix, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 

3. Pre-heat the grill. 

4. Combine the avocado, onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil and salt in a bowl and mix well, chill until ready to use. 

5. In a medium sauce pan, combine black beans and corn. Heat over medium. 

6. Grill the tilapia to desired doneness. 

7. On a bed of rice, layer corn and bean mix, top with avocado salsa. 

{Ingredients}

Combine the avocado, onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil and salt in a bowl and mix well, chill until ready to use.

 In a medium sauce pan, combine black beans and corn. Heat over medium.

Mix the salt, chili powder, cumin, onion powder and black pepper together, rub the tilapia fillets with olive oil and this seasoning mix, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Grill the tilapia to desired doneness.

On a bed of rice, layer corn and bean mix, top with avocado salsa.    OR...  

 I recently made this on a bed of quinoa {sans corn & beans} - equally amazing!   Enjoy!