Are Bake Sales Going to the Dogs?

By: Donna Long

When you hear the term 'bake sale' you probably think of cookies, brownies or maybe even a cake or pie. For a unique twist why not add a treat for our four-legged or feathered companions to your bake sale? What dog or cat wouldn't love a freshly baked treat? Or how about a suet bird feeder?

Suet is the fat that is trimmed off of beef and is available at your local butcher shop. To make the suet feeders simply mix equal amounts of suet and birdfeed in a saucepan over low heat just until all of the suet is completely melted. Do not boil or over heat. Line a cookie sheet that has sides with parchment paper and pour the mixture in. When the mixture has cooled to room temperature either cut into large squares, shape into softball sized balls or use a large cookie cutter of your choice.

Suet hangers can easily be made by cutting out front and back sections of chicken wire that are an inch or two larger than that of your shape. Twist the sides and bottom together to form a pocket for the suet to drop into. Fishnet stockings also work great as hangers for the ball shapes. Simply cut the stockings into sections of about 10 inches each and tie the ends closed. Attach a ribbon or lightweight chain for hanging.

CHEESY DOG BISCUITS

Serving Size: 12

• 2 c all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 c Shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 c Vegetable oil
• 4 1/2 Tbs. Water (up to 5 Tbs.)

1. Preheat oven to hot (400 degrees)

2. Make a cardboard pattern of a dog bone, 4 inches long or use a dog-bone cookie cutter.

3. Combine flour, cheese, garlic and vegetable oil in container of food processor. Cover; whirl until mixture is consistency of coarse meal. With machine running, slowly add water until mixture forms a ball.

4. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll out each piece to 1/2" thickness. Cut out bones. Transfer to ungreased cookie sheet. Do not reroll scraps.

5. Bake in preheated hot oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until bottom of cookies are lightly browned. Carefully transfer bones to wire rack to cool completely. Refrigerate in airtight container.

KITTYS FAVORITE FISH TREATS

Yields: 1 serving

• 1/2 c canned fish such as mackerel, drained
• 1 c Whole-grain breadcrumbs
• 1 Tb. Vegetable oil
• 1 Egg, beaten
• 1/2 tsp Brewer's yeast, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium-sized bowl, mash the mackerel with a fork into tiny pieces. Combine it with the remaining ingredients and mix well. Drop mixture by 1/4 teaspoonful onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.