Dog Treat: Lumps of Coal
These have quickly become Jack\’s favorite treats. I decided I would share them with all his furry friends and neighbors. I placed the lumps of coal in a clear cello bag adorned it with a bow and placed in a stocking I bought at the Dollar Store.
Lumps of Coal
1/2 cup canola oil
2 eggs
6 tablespoons peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups flour (I used 1 cup all-purpose and 1 cup oatmeal that I blended in a food processor)
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup water
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
2. In a saucepan over medium low heat add frozen blueberries and 1/2 cup water. Cook until liquifies. Allow to cool.
3. In a medium bowl combine oil, eggs, peanut butter and vanilla.
4. Stir in flour and oats.
5. On a well-floured surface roll the dough out to about 1/3 inch thickness.
6. Cut out into square coal-like shapes or desired shapes.
7. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 13 minutes or until desired crispness.
Three Types of Gifts
One of life\’s little pleasures is giving and receiving gifts. Giving a gift is one way to express appreciation, generosity, love, thanks as well as achievements and special occasions. Seeing my mum always giving gifts I quickly learned that there are three basic types of gifts; enduring, perishable/consumable/temporary and personal. What are your favorite gifts to receive?
Enduring. This includes but is not limited to: monogrammed items such as vases, decorative items, cookware, collectables and picture frames. These all make great gifts for weddings, baby showers or anniversaries
Perishable, consumable or temporary. This includes but is not limited to: candles, flowers, decorative soap, candy, wine and paper gifts. These make great gifts for the person who has everything, a hostess or a friends birthday.
Personal. Shoes, picture, handbags jewelry, clothing, lotion or perfume/cologne. These all make wonderful gifts for significant others, family members and close friends.
Gingerbread Dog Biscuits
If you and your pup are feeling festive here is how you can make your own yummy Gingerbread Dog Biscuits.
Ingredients
1.5 cups flour* (see notes below)
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup water
4 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
1/4 cup molasses
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325.
2. Cover cookie sheets in parchment paper.
3. Mix together all ingredients.
4. Let rest for 15 minutes.
5. Roll out onto a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thick.
6. Using holiday themed or bone-shaped cookie cutters (large or small) cut out the cookies.
7. Place on baking sheet and bake for 12-20 minutes depending on size and crispness.
Winter To-Do List
I find that I appreciate the seasons a little bit more when I make a list of things to look forward to. Here\’s what\’s on my winter to-do list. What\’s on yours?
1. Go ice skating downtown Detroit at Campus Martius Park
2. Make snow angels
3. Make a gingerbread house
4. Build a snowman
5. Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride
6. Bundle up and go for a walk through the woods
7. Run a wintery 5k
8. Take a drive to see Christmas lights
9. See a Christmas themed play
10. Have a winter bonfire outside
11. Take class and learn how to knit socks
Puppy Chow Almonds
I absolutely love \”puppy chow\” and had a serious craving for it this weekend. However I didn\’t have any Chex cereal so I improvised with almonds, and the result was amazing. The recipe is so ridiculously easy you\’ll want to make some tonight.
Puppy Chow Almonds
Ingredients
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup dark chocolate (milk or semi sweet will work as well)
4 cups plain almonds (mine are from Oh! Nuts)
1.5 cups powdered sugar
Directions
1. Melt peanut butter and chocolate together in a saucepan.
2. Add the almonds and stir until coated.
3. Transfer almonds to a ziplock bag (make sure some powdered sugar is at the bottom).
4. Add the rest of the powdered sugar.
5. Shake to coat.
6. Enjoy! They\’re addicting.
Fashion meets Food 