Since grade 2, my best childhood friend "Tika", a beautiful female German Shepherd, provided me with great companionship for fourteen years. Even to this day, spotting a German Shepherd in the park or on the street every now and then invariably brings to my mind all the years of her unconditional love for me. There really are no words that can describe the emptiness we feel with the loss of a precious friend! As difficult as it was, I struggled to replace the grief with joyful anticipation and hope of new friends, and though I dearly miss and love her to this day, I have learned to share my love with the other "furries" who have crossed my path!
From my Gourmet Kitchen:
If you're anything like me and enjoy baking, homemade dog treats are fun to make and healthier than many store-bought versions. So grab your apron and your biggest bowl, and start baking some all natural, perservative-free snacks for your pooch!
??? Did you know ???
that Brewer's Yeast and Garlic are natural flea repellants, and Brewer's Yeast can be found in organic groceries/health food stores?
Christine's "Flea-Away" Bacon and Cheese Biscuits
I N G R E D I E N T S
Yield: 40 Dog Biscuits
1 cup flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
3/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup brewer’s yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, chopped medium
1/2 cup beef stock plus 3 tablespoons for basting (can be substituted with chicken broth)
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Mix flour, wheat germ,
brewer’s yeast, and salt together in a medium bowl. In a mixing bowl, combine oil, cheese, bacon, and
garlic. Alternately add 1/2 cup beef stock and flour mixture in 3 parts; mix until well
combined. Knead about 2 minutes by hand on floured surface; dough will be sticky.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out about 3/8 inch thick. Cut out bone shapes and
place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, rotate baking sheet, and baste with
remaining 3 tablespoons beef stock. Bake 10 minutes longer. Turn off oven, leaving oven
door closed. Leave pan in oven for 1 1/2 hours longer -- The extra time in the oven as it cools off helps make the treats crispier and crunchier
Beef Broth:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees, bake 6 pounds meaty beef soupbones (shank crosscuts, short ribs etc.) uncovered, about 30 minutes or until the bones are well browned, turning occasionally.
2. Drain off fat. Place the browned bones, 2 stalks of celery (including some leaves celery), 1 large onion, 1 tomato, 1/2 cup chopped parsnip , potato parings, 8 whole black peppercorns, 4 sprigs fresh parsley, 1 bay leaf, 1 tablespoon salt, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, and 2 cloves of garlic in a Dutch oven/stockpot.
3.Add the 12 cups water. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and cover and simmer for 5 hours. Strain the broth, and let it cool before using it for the cookies. And, turn leftovers into great soups and stews for yourself!
Some fun links:
Border Collies: Learn about my cuddly friends Sire and Tommy, and find ways to keep yourself and your dogs cool!www.americanbordercollie.org
Adoption: For just pennies a month, you could adopt a highly intelligent friend, and one of the most endangered primates in the world ... like Chocolate, the four month old female Orang-utan orphan from the Asian rainforest! Great family member, just a slight difference in chromosomes.... www.exn.ca/adoptwild/
Pets: If you’re thinking of buying a pet, it’s a good idea to consider more than just that doggie in the pet-store window ... find your animal here and save a life! www.petfiner.com
Cats: All things cats!http://animal.discovery.com/cats.html
Check back soon for more of my favourites!
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