Merry Christmas! The Gifts go to the Dogs.

I wish everyone a very happy holiday season! I've been so busy - we are hosting 15 people in our new house for dinner tomorrow - so I don't have any festive photos to share. I did take a picture of my yard with the newly fallen snow several weeks ago which I think is lovely.

Ok, so mostly lovely. It will be better once the

fence height is added to and the trees are back in

leaf! But the neighbours are nice and the

snow is beautiful.

Now, we must not forget our loyal canine companions this time of year! So, a batch of dog cookies extraordinaire were in order for our Hazel, aka Ruckusbutt.

Dog Cookies

1/3 Cup (75ml) butter (or margarine), softened
3 Cups (750 ml) whole wheat flour
1/2 Cup powdered skim milk
1/4 tsp (1ml) garlic powder (optional)
3/4 Cup (175 ml) water, room temp
1 egg, beaten
~you can add around 1/4 to 1/2 Cup of "something else". I add peanut butter because dogs just love it but I only have the natural kind with just peanuts, no salt or sugar. Hazel thinks that's just fine. I also add a tablespoon or so of herbs, usually parsley.

1. In large mixing bowl, cream margarine and flour together.
2. Dissolve powdered milk (and garlic, if using) in water and whisk in egg.
3. Make a well in flour mixture and gradually stir in egg mixture until well blended.
4. Knead dough on floured surface, about 3-4 minutes, until dough sticks together and is easy to work with.

5. With a rolling pin, roll dough to between 1/4" and 1/2" thickness.
6. Cut with either cookie cutters or into rectangles appropriately sized for your dog and put on greased cookie sheet.
7. Bake at 325F (160C) for about 50 minutes.

Cool well and put in storage container. Keeps well for several weeks.

I guarantee these cookies will be gobbled up by every dog.