Cooking at Home: Woman's Best Friend
Cooking at Home: Woman's Best Friend
Contributed by Kowalski's Culinary & Branding Director Rachael Perron.
I've written many recipes for loved ones over the years: sister, daughter, son, husband, mother-in-law, best friend and so on. However, there is one very special friend I've yet to write for, even COOK for – until now.
This furry friend came into my life at what should have been a hard – very hard – time. In the midst of 2020, while preparing to send my oldest off to college, sheltering in place, and all that came with that, I found the support I needed in my sweet Boo Boo Baby, or, as most people know her, Stella, my Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles spaniel-miniature poodle).
Those who know me well were beyond shocked when I brought Stella home. I've said over and over that I'd never have a pet in my house, to the point where my 14-year-old son once didn't speak to me for two days. 2020 changed all that, to the point where I actually came to deeply understand the concept of therapy dogs. She's one loved little baby and is always there whenever any of us needs a snuggle, a walk, a chat or – my favorite – a nap. In the last two years, she's grown from a tiny pup to grown-up Stella Bella, Bella Baby and Baby Boo Boo (or Boo Boo Baby, depending on the day).
I'm particularly fastidious about what Boo Boo eats. She doesn't get table scraps of any kind, and we're picky about her food and treats – more than I probably was with my actual (human) children. But in return for all Stella has given me and my family and to celebrate her 2nd birthday this summer, I finally created a recipe just for her.
My recipe for Stella's Dog Snacks is really simple and made from clean, dog-safe ingredients that I know she loves: carrots and apples, with a little sweet potato mixed in. I make them in dog-bone-shaped silicone molds, but Stella wouldn't care if they were hearts, fish or teddy bears. You could even roll them out and use cookie cutters. Baby food makes them super easy to prepare, but you can certainly purée your own combination of dog-safe vegetables or fruits and use either whole-wheat or oat flour to create a custom snack for your own fur baby.
Warmly,
Rachael
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