Thursday, October 22, 2020

HOMEMADE PUMPKIN PEANUT BUTTER DOG BISCUITS FOR #HALLOWEEN

 by Mary Jane Maffini 


 #Halloween #Hallowiener #dogbiscuits #easydogtreats


We are getting close to the magic night of Halloween and it appears that it might not be a regular sort of celebration.  Around here, we love Halloween. We wear witches' hats, have cauldrons of candy bars (coincidentally our favorite kind) and love every ring of the bell, even though we don’t get a lot of children. The pooches wear costumes and love to race barking to the door.  (Well, fourteen year old Lily does not want to wear a costume any more.) This year we have been advised not to give out candies or take children out to trick our treat.  It takes more than that to take away our Halloween fun.

Whether or not little creatures will be trick or treating where you live this year, you can bet your pets will still be keen for a treat. 





Our three dachshunds and the three dogs visiting us all loved these cookies. Of course, they each got just a portion of a treat. The biscuits smelled great and the husband and the son-in-law both had to be persuaded not to eat any. Really.  The dogs pronounced them Hallow-awesome!  Or at least it sounded something like that.  Their mouths were full!


HOMEMADE PUMPKIN PEANUT BUTTER DOG BISCUITS FOR HALLOWEEN


INGREDIENTS


2/3 cup pumpkin purée (canned or fresh)  

1/4 cup peanut butter (I used smooth, but crunchy would probably work too - maybe add a bit more)

PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT USE PEANUT BUTTER THAT CONTAINS ZYLITOL IT IS TOXIC FOR DOGS.

2 large eggs

2 ¼ - 2 ½  cups whole wheat flour

½ tsp cinnamon


DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

With the paddle attachment,of an electric mixer beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter, cinnamon and eggs on medium-high until well mixed. 






Gradually add 2 cups of flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add additional flour a bit at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky.  



Working on a lightly-floured surface, knead the dough until it comes together, then roll out.

Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. 


Cut out desired shapes and place onto the prepared baking sheet. 



I used pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters but made the eyes and mouths free-form with a sharp knife to add interest for any humans who might be around. 


 The dogs didn't give a hoot about the shape or the features, so naturally you could use any shape cookie cutters, but this was entertaining for me.

Bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.


Let cool completely. Dogs might get a bit impatient but the cookies must be cool.


Have a bit of fun with your pets when the biscuits are ready because you will be under pressure.


If you know my books and Victoria Abbott's, then you also know that we're all about the fun and the dogs.  If you have a pet who loves treats (or doesn't) and enjoys Halloween  (or hates it), come on by and tell us about it!



Mary Jane Maffini is the author of three and a half mystery series: the Camilla Maffini mysteries, the Fiona Silk capers and the Charlotte Adams mysteries – number six coming soon!  The Charlotte Adams books have recently been optioned for television films. Details to come when they can be made public. With her daughter Victoria Maffini, MJ collaborated on The Book Collector Mysteries as Victoria Abbott. Victoria Abbott spent several happy years on Mystery Lovers Kitchen. MJ  is very glad to be back. 

Don't forget to check out MJ's Canadian books:  Camilla MacPhee features a fortyish widowed lawyer who runs an advocacy agency for victims of violet crime, in Ottawa, Canada's capital city. Life would be easier if she didn't have the world's worst office assistant, the world's bossiest sisters and, arguably, the world's greatest stubborn streak. If you like your mysteries a bit edgy with a side order of humor, these could be for you.  

 


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9 comments:

  1. Thanks. I have a similar recipe. My dog loves them. We lost our other dog in June. An Australian Shepherd/ Border collie mix we adopted. Cancer took her before her 6th birthday. Miss he so much. Joliver284@yahoo.com

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    1. So sorry for the loss of your beloved dogs. She will live forever in your heart. Hugs.

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  2. Neat! I bet my cat would like these too. She's a big fan of pumpkin. I might have to leave out the cinnamon though.

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  3. Why weren't the humans allowed some? They sound like they'd be quite tasty even for the 2-leggers.

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  4. LOL, Libby! We all did try them eventually, but they smell much better than they taste in this human opinion. Cheers.

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    1. Well, your puppies look like they appreciate your efforts

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  5. This is similar to a recipe I have. I don't have dogs, but I work in a dog friendly office, so I've made these treats for my canine co-workers. Even the dogs who allegedly "don't really like treats" gobble these down. Happy Halloween!

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    1. Thanks, Autumn. That was my experience with our granddogs who are very snooty about treats. They loved these! Our three dachshunds love all treats. Hugs.

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