Tag: 101

Healthy Homemade Dog Treats | 101 Cooking For Two by Gordon Ramsay


This is a recipe for a healthier low-calorie dog treats with peanut butter and pumpkin. Fido will fall in love. Easy to follow step by step photo instructions.

Pile of homemade dog treats

Editor’s Note: Originally Published May 6, 2012. Update with expanded discussion and updated photos. Even with the update, I left our old golden retriever in the discussion since it is his recipe.

Time to get Fido something special and healthier than most other dog treats.

Our golden Jake has had issues. The last two years have not been kind to Jake (2010-2012 DOD 2013). First, he was hit with a hereditary eye disease that leads to complete blindness in spite of two major eye surgeries. A blown ACL with major surgery for that ( special thanks to the MSU vet school) and now a partial ACL on the other knee.

So with the lack of exercise and people feeling sorry for him (us), he has gained an extra 25 pounds. I guess we are lucky he does not have diabetes.

So now we count doggie calories. His big Milkbones were 120 calories each. These are 30 calories, and he loves them.

I took an Allrecipes recipe for Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats. I increased the pumpkin and got rid of whole eggs for egg whites just to decrease the calories.

Jake’s Rating:
My rating system. Great 5 out of 5


5 Paws way up

Recipe Notes on Homemade Dog Treats

I decrease the cooking time slightly to keep them softer for his senior teeth.

The original recipe called for 40 minutes since it is a dry dough, I’m very happy I started in the stand mixer. It earned it keeps on this recipe.

Why is it “Healthy”?

Lower calories and lower fat. Both good things.

There seems to be as much BS about dog diets as human diets. If your dog is gluten intolerant, but they are not gluten allergic just because they are a dog.

I closed this post to comments. People keep posting unproven personal opinion as facts. This is “bad,” but this is “good”… things should always be so black and white.

You can not believe everything you read on the internet and even in the comments here. If you have concerns about your individual pet’s nutrition, then please discuss it with your vet.

For more information about how I feel about tendy health information please see Annual New Year’s Rant – 2019.

A Health Warning

While this recipe is about creating lower caloric dog treats, DO NOT USE LOWER CALORIC PEANUT BUTTER. Lower calorie peanut butter that is made with xylitol. Xylitol is quite toxic for dogs, it is toxic and can be deadly to them.

Storage

Just like other homemade baked products. These do not have the preservatives you will find in store bought treats.

They can be at room temperature for a few days. Refigerated for about 5 days or frozen for 3-4 months.

image of eggs, flour, punpkin and other ingredients

Preheat oven to 350 convection or 375 conventional.

mixing pumpkin and egg whites in metal bowl

Add 1/2 of a 14 oz can of pumpkin to 4 egg white, 1/4 cup water, 3 tablespoons peanut butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Turn on the mixer and combine until well mixed. I used the dough hook, and it took a couple of minutes. Now slowly add 3 cups of whole wheat flour with the mixer on 2. You will need to add a little more water to get all the flour incorporated. For me, it was another 1/4 cup. Again this is a very dry dough.

image of cutting the rolled up dough on a black board

Place the dough on a cutting surface, cut into four equal pieces. Roll into logs of 1-inch diameter. Cut into 1/2 inch pieces. I got 61 bones.

image of cut dough on parchment paper

Prep 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper and distribute the biscuits evenly. Bake for 30 minutes for semi-hard.

dog treats on cooking rack

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Healthy Homemade Dog Treats

This is a recipe for a healthier low-calorie dog treats with peanut butter and pumpkin. Fido will fall in love. Easy to follow step by step photo instructions.

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time45 mins

Author: Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

Course : American

Cuisine : American

Keyword : Dog Bones, Dog Treats

Servings/Adjust Amount: 60

60

Ingredients

  • 7 oz can pumpkin
  • 3 Tablespoons peanut butter
  • 4 egg whites or 2 whole eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup water
  • 3 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 convection.

  • Add 1/2 of a 14 oz can of pumpkin to 4 egg white, 1/4 cup water, 3 T peanut butter, 1/2 t salt, and 1/2 t cinnamon. Turn on the mixer and combine until well mixed.

  • Now slowly add 3 cups of whole wheat flour with the mixer on 2. You will need to add a little more water to get all the flour incorporated. For me, it was another 1/4 cup. This is a very dry dough.

  • Place the dough on a cutting surface, cut into four equal pieces. Roll into logs of 1-inch diameter. Cut into 1/2 inch pieces. I got 61 bones.

  • Prep 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper and distribute the biscuits evenly. Bake for 30 minutes for semi-hard.

Recipe Notes

Recipe Tips:

  1. This dough is dry, and a stand mixer helps a lot. You can do it by hand.
  2. If the dough is too dry, add a bit of water, if sticky then more flour.
  3. 40 minutes is recommended but if you want softer then 30  minutes.
  4. These do not have the preservatives you will find in store-bought treats. They can be at room temperature for a few days. Refrigerated for about 5 days or frozen for 3-4 months.
  5. DO NOT USE LOWER CALORIC PEANUT BUTTER. Lower calorie peanut butter that is made with xylitol. Xylitol is quite toxic for dogs, it is toxic and can be deadly to them.
  6. I had stopped comments before on this post due to dietary comments that were non-scientifically based. I will try comments again. Please do not give or imply non-scientific health/dietary advice even for dogs. Dogs are people too.

Nutrition Facts

Healthy Homemade Dog Treats

Amount Per Serving

Calories 26 Calories from Fat 5

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0.5g 1%

Saturated Fat 0.1g 1%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.2g

Sodium 23mg 1%

Potassium 42mg 1%

Total Carbohydrates 5g 2%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 0.1g

Protein 1g 2%

Vitamin A 5%

Vitamin C 0.5%

Calcium 0.2%

Iron 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have a question or something not clear? Ask in the comments.

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Nutrition is for one serving. Number of servings is stated above and is my estimate of normal serving size for this recipe.

All nutritional information are estimates and may vary from your actual results. This is home cooking, and there are many variables. To taste ingredients such as salt will be my estimate of the average used.

Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

If you like this recipe or find it useful, the pleasure of a nice 4 or 5 rating would be greatly appreciated.

Originally Published May 6, 2012

Jake in flowers

Jake setting in flowers

Jake with a ball

Jake with his love, a ball.

Dogs In Spring | 101 Cooking For Two by Gordon Ramsay


Welcome to the annual dogs in spring post. The flowers are finally blooming, so it is time for one of my favorite posts. I do love pictures of dogs with flowers.
Dogs setting in flowers


Editor’s note: Since this is an annual post of pictures, I re-edit the text and add this year’s pictures. Originally published April 17, 2017, which included pictures from multiple years.

Dogs not really into pictures today

The girls were not really into the picture thing today.

Molly and Lilly running in the yard

All they wanted was to play.

Molly setting after a run

Molly after running.

Lilly dog after running

Lilly after a good run.

Molly dog setting in flowers

Lilly dog setting in flowers

2018 Dogs in Spring Pictures

image of Lilly and Molly dogs setting next to flowers

Before we get to more dog pictures, we had a guest appearance at the pond in our backyard. Say Hi to Mr. Bald Eagle. This is the first eagle we have seen on our pond.

Mr. Bald Eagle in bare trees spring 2018

Mr. Bald Eagle

Eagles are becoming more common in our areas. But our pond, which was teaming with fish, suffered deep freeze a few years ago killing all the fish.  While a few small fish are slowly coming back, it will take years to recover. Hopefully, Mr. Eagle is a good sign.

image of molly dog sniffing flowers spring 2018

Molly in Flowers 2018

lilly dog smiling next to flowers spring 2018

Lilly in Flowers 2018

image of lilly and molly dogs running in yard spring 2018

2017 Dogs in Spring Pictures
image of Lilly and Molly dogs setting next to flowers spring 2017

Lilly dog having a good sniff of flowers spring 2017

Lilly having a good sniff

Molly dog Sniffing flowers spring 2017

Molly Sniffing

There is nothing like a good run in the spring. And our paws aren’t even getting muddy.
Lilly dog running in green grass 2017

Molly dog running in green yard spring 2017

Molly running

2016 Dogs in Spring pictures

Molly and Lilly dogs posing with flowers in Spring 2016

Molly dog sniffing flowers spring 2016

Lilly dog sniffing flowers spring 2016

2015 Dogs in flower pictures

Molly and Lilly dogs sniffing flowers in spring 2015

Molly and Lilly in flowers 2015

Lilly dog sniffing flowers in spring 2015

Lilly in flowers 2015

Molly dog sniffing flowers spring 2015

Molly in flowers 2015

2014 Dogs in flowers pictures – we were babies

Lilly and Molly dogs as puppies smelling flowers spring 2014

Time to smell or eat the flowers

Molly dog with flowers 2014

Baby Molly in flowers 2014

Lilly dog with flowers 2014

Baby Lilly in flowers 2014

Jake dog setting in flowers

Our beloved Jake enjoying spring flowers

Have a great spring.
DrDan

Originally Published: April 17, 2017

Grilled Potato Slices | 101 Cooking For Two by Gordon Ramsay


Some potato, a little onion, and a grill pan. That equals crispy grilled potato slices that will go with almost any grilled meal. Just follow the easy step by step photo instructions.

image of grill potato slice on a white plate

Editor’s Note: Originally Published May 12, 2012. Updated with expanded discussion and updated photos.

I’m always in search of a good side dish for a grilled meal. This fits most grilled meals with some great taste and crispiness.

Start with your grill already heated for the main course. Slice some potatoes thinly, about 1/4 inch. I like red potatoes for this since the skin will caramelize some on the grill and add something extra.

The slices must be thin, or they will not cook completely. Add some chopped onion and olive oil. A little salt and pepper. Grill over a little heat for 30 minutes. Now you have a side that almost everyone will enjoy.

My Rating

My rating system of a 4 out of 5 so very nice.

I’m happy with it. It did need a little more attention than I wanted.

Pro Tips: Recipe Notes for Grilled Potato Slices

What Potatoes to Use?

Any potatoes will do, but I suggest avoiding my favorite russet potatoes.

There are several hundred types of potatoes, but I like to divide them into russets potatoes and thinner skin types. Russets are picked when mature and tend to have more starch, but for a recipe like this, it is the thick skin I prefer not to have.

I think any thinner skin potatoes like Red, Yukon Gold, young or baby potatoes would be fine in this recipe.  Red potatoes are commonly available and do very good in this recipe.

At What Temperature is a Potato Done?

I like to use 210. Cook’s Illustrated recommends 205 to 212. Potatoes are very forgiving, so a little over is better than under. 200 is usually ok, but 190 is not done. With this recipe, just going by the browning and fork tender is fine and seems always to work. If in doubt, check with an instant-read thermometer.

Thickness Is Important

The key to this recipe is really the thickness of the potatoes.  1/4 inch thick, please. Less will break apart, and thicker will just not get done in the middle.

The Onion, the Oil, and the Pan

The onion adds a lot of flavor. You could argue it is overcooked. I think it is just great. Skip it if you want or add it halfway through the cooking if you don’t want it done crispy.

The olive oil does fine on the grill with this recipe since we are using medium heat. If it is smoking, you have it too hot. If you are worried about it, use a higher temperature oil.

I think a cast iron pan works great here. A standard grill pan is also good, but something with sides is preferred.

Other Grilled Side Dishes

Grilled Asparagus

Easy Grilled Baby Potatoes

Grilled Mixed Vegetables

Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

image of red potatoes with onion and oil

Start with a hot grill and turn one side to medium or medium-low if you have a hot running grill.

image of slices of potatoe with a chopped onion on a black board

Clean and slice four medium red potatoes into 1/4 inch slices. Chop one medium onion.

Mixing oil into onion and potato slices

Mix the potato and onion with 2 tablespoon olive oil. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and mix well.

image of potato slices cooking in a black cast iron pan

Put in a 12 inch cast iron pan over the medium heat side of the grill. Stir every 5 minutes or so and occasionally rotate the pan. It is done in about 30 minutes.

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Grilled Potato Slices

Some potato, a little onion, and a grill pan. That equals crispy grilled potato slices that will go with almost any grilled meal. Just follow the easy step by step photo instructions.

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time35 mins

Course : Potato

Cuisine : American

Keyword : Grilled Potato Slices, grilled potatoes

Servings/Adjust Amount: 4 servings

4

Ingredients

  • 4 red potatoesmedium cleaned and sliced 1/4 inch
  • 1 onionmedium diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Start with a hot grill and turn one side to medium or medium-low if you have a hot running grill. You want the grill surface temperature about 400-450 max.

  • Clean and slice four medium red potatoes into 1/4 inch slices. Chop one medium onion.

  • Mix the potato and onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and mix well.

  • Put in a 12 inch cast iron pan or grill pan over the medium heat side of the grill. Stir every 5 minutes or so and occasionally rotate the pan. It is done in about 30 minutes. Should be nicely brown, fork tender and about 200 degrees (190-210).

Recipe Notes

Pro Tips

  1. Matches most chicken recipes fairly well.
  2. The grill surface temperature needs to be 400-450 but not over.
  3. The onion will be dark brown. I love that but skip the onion if you want or add it about 15 minutes into cooking if you are concerned.
  4. The olive oil does well as long as you don’t get this too hot. Use a higher smoke temperature oil if you are concerned.
  5. Any potatoes will work, but I prefer to avoid russets due to the thick skin.
  6. The key to this working well is the potato thickness of 1/4 inch. To thin and they will break apart. Too thick and they won’t cook through.
  7. I like to use a 10 or 12 inch cast iron skillet for this but any grill pan with sides should work.

Nutrition Facts

Grilled Potato Slices

Amount Per Serving

Calories 91 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 7g 11%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 5g

Sodium 243mg 10%

Potassium 33mg 1%

Total Carbohydrates 6g 2%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 1g

Protein 1g 2%

Vitamin C 3%

Calcium 1%

Iron 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have a question or something not clear? Ask in the comments.

Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect Do you want more recipes from 101 Cooking for Two? Sign up for the newsletter and get all posts delivered straight to your inbox!
  Subscribe to 101 Cooking for Two Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

Nutrition is for one serving. Number of servings is stated above and is my estimate of normal serving size for this recipe.

All nutritional information are estimates and may vary from your actual results. This is home cooking, and there are many variables. To taste ingredients such as salt will be my estimate of the average used.

Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

If you like this recipe or find it useful, the pleasure of a nice 4 or 5 rating would be greatly appreciated.

Originally Published May 12, 2019

Molly dog leaping

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