Party Dogs

Yes, I know, giving a party for your dog is a bit pathetic. I've had people look askance when I tell them about it. Too bad. It was fun and I'll make no apologies. Actually it was really an excuse to make these uber cute pupcakes. I altered the schnauzer a bit to make a wheaten. The link above shows a detailed how-to from Family Circle. As I was contemplating who I could con into taking part in this silliness I thought of Mia . . . and then it occured to me that since they were litter mates they shared a birthday, so it was her party too.

Of course the pupcakes above are for people. The birthday dogs deserved a cake for their first birthday afterall. Here's the recipe from Two Dog Press

1 large apple

1/2 cups wheat flour

1/4 cup oatmeal

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons honey
2 eggs

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

For the Frosting

8 oz Neufchatel Cheese (lowfat cream cheese)

2 tablespoons plain yogurt

2 tablespoons honey

2-3 tablespoons flour

grated carrots

Directions:Preheat oven to 400 ° F (200 ° C). Grease muffin tins.

Core, slice and mince the apple (use a food processor if you have one). Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together flour, oatmeal, baking powder, and baking soda. In a medium bowl, blend together the yogurt, water, oil, honey, and eggs, then stir in the apple and cheese. Add to the flour mixture and stir until mixed.

Spoon into the muffin tins, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let rest in the muffin tins for a few minutes, then remove and set aside to cool.
For the frosting, combine the Neufchatel cheese (at room temperature), honey, and yogurt until smooth. Add enough flour to thicken the frosting to a good spreading consistency. Frost the pupcakes, sprinkle them with finely shredded carrots as garnish, and you're ready for a doggone good party!

Makes 16-18 pupcakes. If you prefer a single-layer cake, spoon the batter into a sheet pan and bake for an extra 15-20 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean). (I used 6 inch springform pans for small cakes) Let the cake cool, then frost and decorate with carrot shavings.

Both dogs really liked their cakes. They got slices as good dog goodies all week. Yes, I made hats for them. Guinness (left) enjoyed chewing it to smitherines shortly after this picture.