A Puppy Party Is A Dog-Gone Good Idea!

Dog Biscuits
People Chow

(Family Features) - Here's a summer afternoon party idea the kids and adults alike will love - host a neighborhood puppy party and invite local pugs, poodles, and Pomeranians (and their people) over for playtime and snacks.

It's easy to pull together. Designate a secure area for the pups to play. Plan a few friendly competitions - catch the Frisbee or the ball, best manners, and "command" contests like roll-over, shake, fetch ... all those good dog tricks! For prizes (and take-home gifts), reward each winner with homemade spinach-and-cheese-flavored Dog Biscuits. They're as easy to make as a batch of cookies, and sure to garner a bone-appétit paws-up from each canine contestant. Bake up some traditional bone shapes, and a few cats as well, so pooches can attack their arch nemesis with gusto!

Two-legged guests need to nibble, too. Plan a simple menu - summer fruits, cheeses, warm-weather beverages and something sweet. People Chow made with peanut butter, dark cocoa Candy Melts®; and toasted rice squares cereal, is an appropriate nod to the afternoon's theme. How many times can you catch one in your mouth?

For more tail-wagging ideas for summer parties, visit www.wilton.com.

Dog Biscuits
Makes 2-3 dozen biscuits

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup (about 4 ounces) finely shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (2 sticks) margarine, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
Water (optional)

In food processor fitted with steel blade, process spinach, cheese, margarine and garlic until smooth. Add flour and dry milk; process until dough forms, adding water if necessary. Chill at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 300°F. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable pan spray. Roll dough out to 1/8-inch thickness on lightly floured surface; cut with cutter. Place on prepared cookie sheet. Bake 30-40 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to cooling rack; cool completely.

Wilton Products:

• Dog Bone Plastic Cutter
• Cat Plastic Cutter
• Cookie Sheet or Pan
  

People Chow
Makes about 9 cups

1 package (14 ounces) Dark Cocoa Candy Melts confectionery coating
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box (19.75 ounces) toasted rice squares cereal
2 cups confectioners' sugar, divided

In large microwave-safe bowl, combine candy, peanut butter and butter. Microwave 1 minute at 50 percent power; stir thoroughly. Continue to microwave and stir every 30 seconds until candy is smooth and melted. Stir in vanilla extract.

In second large bowl, place cereal squares. Stir in candy mixture; mix to coat completely. Place 1 cup confectioners' sugar in each of two, large resealable food storage bags. Divide cereal mixture between bags. Seal; shake to coat. Spread cereal mixture over cookie pan. Stir, if necessary, to coat any uncovered pieces with sugar. Cool completely. Store in airtight container.

Wilton Products:

• Dark Cocoa Candy Melts confectionery coating
• Large Non-Stick Cookie Pan

SOURCE: Wilton Industries, Inc.