Create Gourmet Dog Treats at Home (NAPSA)—According to a 2001 Yankelovich Monitor study, nearly 90 percent of pet owners consider their pet to be part of the family. You can show the furriest member of your household how much you truly care by baking gourmet dog biscuits in the comfort of your own kitchen. Simple, dog-safe ingredients and a pinch of love are all you need to have your pooch howling and wagging in appreciation. Made with such all-natural, appetizing ingredients as cheddar cheese and spinach, these treats are delightful when cut out with bone, cat and dog-shaped cookie cutters. Decorate them with veterinarian-approved white Candy Melts and rainbow nonpareils for an extra sweet touch. “Fetch”ing Gourmet “No one wants to spend more moneyonpet treats than his or her own groceries,” states Nancy Siler, the consumeraffairs director of Wilton Enterprises. “What people don’t know is that they can recreate gourmet dog snacks in their own kitchens in just minutes!” Affordable Giftables Don’t forget Fido when you show up at your next barbecue, housewarming party or family reunion. Line a simple wicker basket with a colorful bandana and fill with savory homemade doggie treats. You will become the most popular dog owner in the neighborhood when you bring a bag of the snacks to the park or dog run. Dog Biscuits Makes2-3 dozen 2 cups whole-wheatflour % cup dry nonfat milk 1 cup (8 ounces)finely shredded mild cheddar cheese, room temperature 10 ounces frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and drained 1 cup (2 sticks) margarine, softened 2 cloves of garlic crushed water, if necessary 1 bag Wilton White Candy Melts (to decorate) 1 bottle Wilton rainbow nonpareils (to decorate) Spray cookie sheet with vegetable pan spray. In a food processor, process cheese, spinach, margarine andgarlic. Add dry ingredients. Chill one hour. Roll out onto floured surface. Cut with dog, cat or bone-shaped cookie cutter. Bake on prepared cookie sheet at 300 F for 30-45 minutes or until light brown. Whencool, store treats in an airtight container. Optional Decorating Instructions: Melt white candy melts according to instructions on package. Dip ends of dog treats into melted candy melts and sprinkle with nonpareils. Using melted candy melts and a disposable decorating bag, write pet’s nameontreats.
