I am going to just start by saying that this is, by far, the best recipe that I have on this site! I mean, it’s a cookie recipe for two of my furry, four legged best friends—Doc and Jillie!

For any and all of you who follow me on social media, you know that saying that I am obsessed with those two cuties is an understatement! They live with my mom, in Maine, and let me tell you that absence sure does make the heart grow fonder. I am one of those crazy ones who calls my mom to chat with them on the phone, who is always asking for photos, who spends more time with them when I am home visiting than anyone else…

…Roberto just loves that about me!

So, why did I decide to make this recipe right now of all times?! WELL! I was able to go home for a few days this past weekend, and I just couldn’t resist making these. This weekend was jam packed with friends and family, truly nonstop—and so little Doc and Jillie deserved a special treat as well!

What I love about this recipe is that there are only a handful of ingredients in them, and they can all, most likely, be found in your pantry right now. There’s no weird additives, no names you can’t pronounce, just some wholesome, healthy foods to keep your pups happy!

To start, I knew that carrots were a must. These two will whine forever sometimes until they get their carrot snacks—plus it’s super cute to have them do little tricks for them, of course! Also, any way to get some great vegetables into their diets is good with me. Next, a fat, such as peanut butter, is a great alternative to butter any day. Please make sure your pets are not allergic to peanuts/nuts before using any type of nut butters in these cookies!

I have used a combination of oats and whole wheat flour, but if you would rather use an almond meal, or another flour that you know your pets prefer, that is 100% an option. Luckily, the gluten structure is not important in these cookies!

An egg, some milk and/or water will bind these together, and before you know it, you have a great dough!

You may cut these cookies into any shape you would like. I have used a big and a little heart shaped cutter because, well, these two babes have stolen my heart forever! And to make all of you doggie parents out there feel at ease, both Doc and Jillie gobbled these up—and I even taste tested the batch a couple of times to make sure it wasn’t overly sweet as well as had a good texture…they are people-safe, too!

So, to all of my fellow pet infatuated folks out there, give those little ones something to show how much you appreciate them—the ones who will always snuggle, always play, always go for a walk, and always love you—they deserve it!

ingredients

Carrots, shredded—2oz, or ¾ C

Peanut Butter—8 oz, or 1 C

Egg—1

Water—4 oz, or ½ C

Milk—2 oz, or ¼ C

Whole Wheat Flour—12 oz, or 2 C

Oats—1 oz, or ¼ C

process

Preheat your oven to 325˚ F.

In the bowl of your mixer, combine the shredded carrots and peanut butter.

Add the egg.

Alternating between the liquid and the dry ingredients, add to the mixer.

Once all is mixed together well, turn out your dough onto a lightly floured work surface.

Roll out the dough until it is about ¼” thick.

Using whatever cutters you would like—I used large and small heart cutters because, well, there’s a big and little doggie receiving these!—cut out cookies until you have no more dough left!

Unlike normal roll out cookie dough, this dough can be rolled and rerolled as many times as needed.

Put on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a Silpat or nonstick spray.

Bake for 15 minutes, flip them, and then another 15 minutes, so that they can get nice and toasty on each side.

*Note: if you want them softer or crunchier, the baking time may be adjusted, the 15 minutes is more on the crunchy side!*

Allow to cool and let your sweet little doggies enjoy!

Bon(e) Appétit!

Happy second week of January!

How is it already the 11th? When did this month decide to sneak up on us? January is almost at its halfway point—totally not ready for that my friends!

With the first week back at work under my belt, my craving for anything dipped in chocolate and covered in candy canes (more or less) gone, I have had this inspiring “I can take on the world” attitude for the last 10 days. I am pretty sure it is partly the fault of these insanely healthy muffins.

I am not throwing some super fibery, possibly too dry, bran muffins at you BUT even better—blueberries, carrots, whole wheat flour, oodles of spice, and so many healthy fats. What else makes these pretty damn perfect? The fact that there is 3g of protein in each muffin. Yes. In. Each. Muffin.

Did I mention that they taste like a carrot cake? The moistness (…favorite word) of this muffin is unbeatable and the fact that there is whole-wheat flour, chia seeds and coconut oil as well makes them not only hearty, but also filling and good for you!

Like, where have these been all of my life?!

Did I mention that this whole New Year, New You thing has totally become my new mantra? I am always making way too many resolutions come January 1st, but instead, I figure if I am actively trying to better myself, that covers every resolution base. Whether that means eating a few more spinach leaves each day, reading one more chapter in my book, testing 4 recipes a week as opposed to 3, or just spending less time obsessing over social media and more time driving my fiancé crazy by singing Justin Bieber at the top of my lungs—this year will be the best, most positive year yet!

So yes, please throw me a super green smoothie with a side of these Whole-Wheat Carrot Blueberry Muffins and I know that I can really do anything!

ingredients

AP Flour—1.5 oz, or ¼ C

Whole Wheat Flour—10.5 oz, or 1 ¾ C

Baking Soda—0.5 oz, or 2 tsp

Salt—½ tsp

Cinnamon—0.3 oz, or 2 tsp

Nutmeg—1 tsp

Chia Seeds—0.5 oz, or 1 TBL

Coconut Milk—2 oz, or 4 TBL

Coconut Oil (melted)—3.5 oz, or ½ C

Eggs—3

Brown Sugar—5 oz, or 2/3 C

Maple Syrup—1 oz, or 2 TBL

Vanilla Extract—1 tsp

Carrots (grated)—4.5 oz, or 1 ½ C

Blueberries—8 oz, or 1 ½ C

process

Preheat your oven to 425˚ F.

In a bowl, combine the flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and chia seeds.

Mix.

In a separate bowl, combine the coconut milk, eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup and vanilla. Whisk together.

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry and fold together.

Once combined, add in the melted coconut oil.

Fold in your grated carrots and blueberries.

Line your muffin tin with muffin papers, or simply spray with nonstick spray.

Fill up each cup with muffin batter about ¾ of the way full, making sure to get plenty of berries in each one!

Sprinkle a little bit of brown sugar on top of each muffin—this will caramelize and add a slight crunch to the top of your muffins.

Place in the oven for 5 minutes, and then turn your oven temperature down to 345˚F and bake for an additional 15-17 minutes, until the tops of the muffins spring back slightly when touched, or when a toothpick comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before taking them out of the pan.

Enjoy on their own, toasted, with a bit of jam on them, whatever you need to give you an extra boost for the day!

Yield—18-20 muffins

Bon Appétit!