Christmas Gifts for the Pets: Dog Bark

Wednesday, December 08, 2010
...get it, 'bark?' 
I saw this recipe on Family Fun, and I pushed it above about 17,001,234 dog/cat food recipes I was planning on trying because it seemed like the right thing to do....you know, in the realm of 'rightness' in the animal craft kingdom standards. 
If you don't own pets, lower your expectations for dog owners when it comes to standards. 
Anyway, I was fascinated because this treat looked like it was made of chocolate, and I knew this was a no no.  I have heard, and tested out white chocolates on dogs, and despite one comment contradicting the safety of white chocolate, my dogs seem OK with it, but sometimes...I want that dark chocolate look. 
Sure, there is a rumor that dogs don't have standards about the beauty of their treats, but let's face it, 99.9 percent of the toys/food/and fluff we buy for our animals are actually for us. 
Here's another project for me my dogs....and if you don't think my holiday plans include a baking day with my dogs to make their dog friends Christmas cookies (biscuits and pupcakes, and now chocolate bark...maybe with some white or red chocolate drizzle next go 'round)...well, lower that standard bar a little more because we've got plans...big plans because we are busy and important, and we know not to answer the door to any men holding those white jackets without holes for our hands because that can set you back a good 19 days from puppy crafts. 
And without further ado, here is the dog safe dog bark recipe via family fun. 
This is half the recipe the site called for, my dogs just don't have that many friends, but this still made about 30 pieces. 
Recipes:  2 c. of carob chips (I bought this at a whole food type store, they are vegan, so apparently OK for dogs because they aren't made of cocoa, and, I checked the safety and conclued these are indeed safe for dogs,  but disgusting for human consumption), 1/4 c. peanut butter, 1/4. c. peanuts, 1/8 t. cinnamon (I wonder who tested it and decided the cinnamon was a nice addition?). 
Instructions:  Melt carob chips.  I put my chips in the microwave for 30 minutes at a time between stirs.  It took about 1.5 minutes.  When they were melted, I added the peanut butter, cinnamon, and peanuts.  I stirred until everything was mixed well and coated. 
I lined a pan with foil, and spread my chocolate around (about 1/4 inch thick). 
Put this in the fridge or freezer for about 15 minutes (until it's cooled down, and it has hardened).  Broke into 2 inch chunks.  And I later bagged these up.
I think these'll be cute for the friends I pretend like my dogs have, especially with some colored chocolate drizzle.  Yes, I include gifts for my friend's animals in their Christmas packages.  Yes, I'm still single, why do you ask?  No, I'm not sure if Santa leaves gifts for pets if they pull his nose off prior to Christmas.  I just thought I'd throw that in because I think it's important to answer that question before this cannibal works the whole nose off. 

8 comments

Oklahoma Granny said...

I have some carob powder. I wonder if there's anything I could add to it to make it work. I'll have to google and find out.

Christine said...

I say why not!...lol This is cute.

Jen said...

I love this! I don't cook but I'm always up for making something for my babies!!!

tt.scraps said...

Your pup is precious!!! I have a little chihuahua that would love these too!!!!! Sooooo cute! I'll have to give it a try!

malia said...

Looks de-lish! Bet your pup is happy ( -:
Stop by and enter my giveaways for M T and W (more tomorrow!) I know you're lucky!
Malia
www.yesterdayontuesday.com

Alice said...

I will definitely have to try this out on my dogs! something tells me they'll love it!!

Amanda said...

I love this! I featured it today on my blog Today's Top 20! I'd love if you could stop by! While your there please click on my water widget on the top right. For each click p&g will donate 1 day's worth of clean water! :) Thanks!

Amanda
todaystoptwenty.blogspot.com

Mr Fix It said...

my pets lovers