Festive Dog Treats

Festive Dog Treats

1 cup flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup ground peanuts
1/4 cup sesame seeds
2 T. toasted wheat germ
3/4 cup cold butter, cut up
1 egg
2 to 3 T. water
1 oz. vanilla flavor candy coating, optional
1/2 t. shortening, optional

Preheat oven to 325. In mixing bowl, stir together flour, wheat flour, brown sugar, peanuts, sesame seeds, and wheat germ. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembled coarce crumbs. Make a well in center of mixture. Mix the egg and 2 T. of the water; stir into flour mixture. If needed, add enough remaining water to make dough cling together. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by folding and gently pressing dough for four to six strokes or just until it holds together. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness.Using a 2 to 3 inch cookie cutter, shaped like a dog bone, fire hydrant, at, or dog, cut dough into desired shapes. Put cutouts 1 inch apart on an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake about 25 minutes or until golden. Turn off oven. Let treats dry in oven for 2 hours. Remove bones form cookie sheet. If desired in small pan, heat candy coating and shortening over low heat until melted. Cool slightly. Pour into a heavy resealable plastic bag. Seal bag; cut a small hole in one corner. Pipe dog’s name onto the cookies. Let stand until set. Makes about 28 two inch or 20 three inch dog treats.