Elvis Lives! (and so do I!)

“what ‘choo lookin’ at Frank?”

IT’S ALIVE! Yes, I made it through the surgery and my shoulder is healing. It’s not fun I’m not going to bacon-grease coat it for you but I am definitely on the other side!  Speaking of bacon grease- I glazed these cute little treats with bacon grease once they were almost done then I popped them back in for a few minutes more… but I am getting ahead of myself…

banana, bacon,peanut butter, carrot oatmeal- “shaped like a heart”

I have slowly been getting back into the kitchen mostly cooking simple dinners for Mr. and me. There have been a few “fun” dishes. I made a new brownie and have been unsuccessfully experimenting with grain-free flour blending for cookies. But today was special, the dogs came back from “The Ranch” today. We don’t have a ranch, but a nice lady who runs an amazing dog boarding company does and my boys love going there when we need overnight care for them. You already know I love making treats for my (and everyone else’s) dogs- and I need to occasionally  justify buying all those cookie cutters! When the dogs come home it always lifts my mood and is certainly a reason to celebrate. These treats are special. They remind me of Elvis Presley, he would have loved these. They are practically his favorite food with a “healthy” twist  An homage to his Fried Peanut butter, banana bacon sandwiches. Live like The King! Bake these for your Hound Dog!

Ain’t Nothin’ But a Hound Dog Treat

3 rashers bacon fried and chopped (drain on towels but reserve rendered grease)
1 medium ripe banana smashed
1 cup shredded carrots (use the smallest holes on your box grater)
1 Tablespoon peanut butter

2 Tablespoons of applesauce
1/8 cup water (you might need to add a little more)

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (I used 1/2 c. spelt, 1/2 c. all purpose, 1/2 c. brown rice flour because I have so many different flours to use up)*
1 cup rolled oats
*rice flour adds a nice crunch to the treats

Preheat oven to 350° F
Mash the ripe banana in a small bowl.
Grate the carrots, and mix with the banana, bacon and peanut butter.
Then pour in the applesauce and water. Mix well.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and oats.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the carrot/banana/bacon mixture.
Stir until thoroughly combined.

Knead the dough in the bowl with your hands… add a bit of water here if needed.
Fold out onto a lightly floured surface and continue to knead until a dough has formed.

Roll out to 1/2 inch thickness.
Cut out into shapes with cutters or make bars by cutting with a knife.
Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Place the cut-outs on the baking sheet and bake for 2o minutes. Remove from oven a lightly brush with bacon grease. Let cook for 5 or 10 more minutes.
Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

These treats will be fresh in the refrigerator for 3 weeks. Keep them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Depending on size you will get several dozen. These are rich, don’t over feed until you see how your baby’s tummy handles them.

so delicious, George will sit- Frank won’t. Both out of character!