Happy 6 Month Puppyversary: The Mag Pie

Six months ago, Robin and I made what is quite possibly the best choice we have ever made (yes, maybe even better than moving to Charleston)- we decided to get a dog. Having never owned a pet growing up (aside from a far less demanding turtle), Robin has made it her life's mission to remedy this now that she has her own oasis to call home. During medical school, she stuck to the lower maintenance feline variety of pets (the ruler of our kingdom, Swarley, and the shy but lovable Abby), but it was now time to add a more adventurous and demanding best friend to our family. As the petfinder emails exponentially increased in frequency, I knew there was no more waiting. It was time to buy a dog.

Our first encounter with Maggie. It was clear from the start that she was the one for us.

Maggie May was the first dog we met, and we instantly loved her. She was a calm, friendly dog, who could oddly displace her hips whenever she wanted to lay down. Following a walk around and checking out one other dog who sadly never stood a chance, she was ours. Over the last 6 months we have been endlessly amused watching wiggle-butt learn how to be a dog including understanding what a toy is, barking, chasing cats, burying bones, and endlessly begging for food. With Robin about to start nights and Maggie's 6 month adoption anniversary upon us, we decided to celebrate with a dog-centric day including a trip to the beach and Maggie's first pie (the ultimate sign of love between Robin and I).

Maggie enjoying quality backyard time

The Mag Pie
Adapted from The Three Dog Bakery Cookbook
Time: 30 minutes + time to set
Servings: 1 pie

Our most beautiful crust ever...

Crust
1 1/2 cups white flour
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
4-5 tbsp cold water

Filling
3 tbsp white flour
1/2 cup honey
2 cups skim milk
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 banana

Even Swarley decided to help out.

1. Buy a puppy. Wait 6 months.
2. Preheat the oven to 450 F.
3. Make the crust by cutting the shortening into the flour until it is the size of peas.  Add water 1 tbsp at a time until you get a workable ball.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface then assemble it in a pie plate.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let cool.
6. Make the filling by blending the flour, honey, milk, egg yolks, peanut butter, and banana together in a blender until smooth.
7. Pour the filling into a large saucepan and cook over medium until it begins to thicken. Let cool and pour over the crust. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let it set.
8. Prepare for never-ending grateful dog kisses.

The finished product, but who are we kidding, you're not reading this post to see pictures of food.

Initially, this recipe oddly called for parsley. Since Robin and I were fully intending to partake in the doggy desserty goodness, this was not gonna fly. Instead, we added peanut butter's natural friend the banana, and got a pie fit for human consumption. We enjoyed our doggie pie, but nowhere near as much as Maggie did. She scarfed up her slice in about 2 milliseconds then pushed her plate across the floor making sure she licked each and every last crumb off (this would become a recurring theme as she would spend the next several days pushing said plate toward me asking for more delicious pie). Finally, she helped herself to the remaining scraps on our plates before a well earned nap. I am pretty sure she's now convinced that lunch pie is a thing that's supposed to happen every day, but it was worth it to spoil her for all the joy she's brought these last few months (even if she does insist that my side of the bed is her spot).

Maggie's Day of Fun

Our pre-pie workout on the beach. Judging by how my feet aren't even touching the ground, it is clear that I am the alpha in this relationship.

Having fun running free

Getting her palate ready for the pie goodness to come

Maggie waiting in anticipation of her pie. Her tail may have broken the sound barrier.

She insisted on cleaning our plates for us as well. She's such a helpful dog.

A Very Vegan Christmas: Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats

No need to start with a pic of food. We all know this post is really about adorable puppies. Meet Harry (and Mr. Fox) and Queen Faye.

My sister has one gigantic advantage over every other individual I know; she has Harry and Faye, the world's most incredible dogs. Harry is the world's cutest (but not the brightest) puppy. We're convinced he is made of pudding instead of bones. His mother Faye has possibly the most distinct personality of any dog (a good deal of that personality is an always amusing side that we'll just call "alphaness") and is constantly in search of food (especially elusive trash cheese). Harry is the Butters to Faye's Cartman (or the Stevie to her Kenny). Together these muppet/ewok hybrids are an unstoppable force that could melt even the most hardened soul.

Yes, being ridiculously cute will earn you treats. Sadly, when I try these faces in public they just result in weird looks from the rest of the bar.

It's impossible to even begin to fathom how we used to live life without them. Thankfully, one day I was a disgusting boy and hadn't showered after the gym causing my sister and Bryan to detour to a pet store where they snatched up these amazing rescues. Certainly, this was the greatest reward for laziness in the history of the world. For the past three years they have provided us with an endless supply of love, dog cuddles and entertainment, so we knew our massive Christmas cooking adventure wouldn't be complete without whipping up something to show our appreciation.

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats

Recipe from The Pursuit of Hippieness

Servings: 12 dog treats

Time: 45 minutes

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup canned pumpkin

1 cup water

2 tbsp olive oil

1 1/2 cups flour

1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour

1 tbsp cinnamon

Pinch of salt

Bears and birds and turkeys (?), oh my!

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Whisk the peanut butter, pumpkin and oil together in a stand mixer at medium speed until well incorporated.
3. Stir in the water, salt and cinnamon until smooth.
4. Gradually add the flours at medium-low speed until a thick dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out fun shapes with a cookie cutter.
6. Put the shapes on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 15-30 minutes (depending on the size of the cookies) making sure to flip once halfway through. The final product should be slightly browned on each side. You can vary the desired level of crispiness to fit your dog's needs by altering the cookie time.
7. Put on protective gear so as not to be injured by the crazed puppies.

I can't even begin to describe the anarchy that erupted when the dogs realized these treats were for them. Faye normally will knock you over for any sort of food, but she entered a new level of mania when it came to these treats (I'm pretty sure she would've stabbed us for them if she had the means). Meanwhile, the usually nervous Harry suddenly gave into his inner werewolf and was ready to take on the world. All their training (well the minor training they picked up) was thrown out the window. The word "sit" lost all meaning as they were driven by the uncontrollable hunger and darkness. Their reaction even eclipsed their response to a dog cupcake from Sprinkles, so I think our doggy baking excursion was a massive success. The video that might as well be a sequel to Cloverfield speaks for itself.

After Faye knocked me over, I had a sneaking suspicion that they liked them. Sadly, there were no survivors of the attack.

Faye understands that sitting at the table results in food. She eagerly awaits more treats.

Personally, I thought they were a little dry and tasteless, but dogs have more taste buds for this kind of thing.

And now for what will surely be the most popular blog feature ever: 

Pictures of Puppies Getting Christmas Presents!

Harry tries to decide how he feels about his squirrel puzzle toy.

After much careful deliberation, he approves of the gift from his best friend.

Faye doesn't want to wait for pesky things like removing the twist ties.

Faye plays with one of the many toys she stole from Harry.

Between the dog treats, stuffed animals, a trip to the park and countless belly rubs, I think the dogs had a banner day. They deserved it because Christmas wouldn't have been the same without them. Now I'll just go stare at the million pictures I took of them while I await my next trip to L.A., or, perhaps, I'll get cracking on a doggy care package...