Happy Birthday Siena (and her favorite dog biscuit recipe)!!!

Happy Birthday Siena! Our little pooch is celebrating her first birthday, and she spent her day in typical California girl fashion, lounging around the pool and soaking up the sun.
Looking at her now, I can't believe that she is the same tiny pup that we brought home last spring:

To mark this special occasion, I busted out the mixing bowl and baking sheets to make Siena her favorite homemade treats. Lately, she's been turning a deaf ear to us (doggy adolescence?), but when these treats are dangled in front of her we get her full attention.

I really enjoy making these dog biscuits for Siena. With a short and sweet list of all natural ingredients, I know that I'm feeding her a snack that is really wholesome and nutritious. Nutrition aside, Siena LOVES devouring these biscuits.

Siena Bites

adapted from www.marthastewart.com (original recipe is found here)

makes about 16

2 C. barley flour

1/2 C rolled oats

1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese (swiss cheese is good alternative)

1/4 C grated parmesan cheese

1/2 C applesauce

2 Tbsp flaxseed oil

Pre-heat oven to 350F degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients, and add enough water (2-4 Tbsp) to form a dough. Roll mixture between two sheets of parchment paper to 1/4 inch thick. Remove parchment paper and cut out biscuits with a cutter. Re-roll scraps and continue cutting out biscuits.

Space biscuits 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 30 minutes until nicely browned and firm.

Transfer biscuits on a wire rack to cool.