Beatrix's Special Dog Biscuit Recipe

Hello! It's me, Beatrix again, hosting while Anna's busy this week.

Today I'd like to share with you my recipe for homemade dog biscuits. Money's going to be tight for lots of humans this Christmas, and more than ever are making their own presents. We furry friends like presents too, but they don't have to be expensive, because to be honest, I don't have a clue how that money lark of yours works. This recipe is made from things you'll already have in your kitchen. Humans can eat them too, so it's very important that you keep them in a special tin with 'Mine. Paws Off. Grrrrr!' written on it. Got it? Then we shall begin.

You will need:

• A handful of chopped parsley
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped (and a little extra if you have a guinea pig knocking around the place like we do. He gets grumpy if we don't share)
• A sprinkling of parmesan cheese (or a lot if I get my own way)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz wholewheat flour
• 1 tablespoon oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Water, to mix

1. Preheat your oven to 180C and grease a baking tray.

2. Mix together the parsley, carrots, cheese and oil.

3. Mix together your flour, oats and baking powder.

4. Combine the two lots of ingredients and add enough water to make a moist - not wet - dough.

5. Knead for one minute, then roll out.

The ability to be kneady is essential to the success of this recipe

6. Choose a snazzy cutter - I opted for stars (Anna says I am one) and hearts. Cut out your biscuit shapes and pop on the baking tray and in the oven for 20 - 30 minutes until brown.

7. (And this is the hard bit:) don't let your dog have a sample until they are completely cool. (Mean).

You can add or substitute ingredients to make any dog-friendly flavour you wish. Anna sometimes uses apple instead of parsley, and sometimes adds bacon, cooked chicken, chopped egg or ham. Mmmm... ham...

Before I go, Anna says I have to tell you that you're invited to take part in a two hour special of Creatives Unite tomorrow evening, 8-10pm on Twitter, to celebrate the opening of her Etsy shop. I don't know what an Etsy shop is, but she seems excited about it. I'm hoping it's edible.

Shake a paw to you for reading,

Love Bea. x