Today is my mom’s birthday, but it felt like Titus’ birthday because he was being spoiled rotten. My mom made him dog treats from scratch. He liked the smell of them, the dough, and of course the finished product. I recommend the receipe, it is from the Washington Post:

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 pound chicken hearts (or combination of hearts and gizzards)

One 14 1/2 ounce can of diced tomatoes

4 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups cooked rice

4 tablespoons dried basil

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken hearts and cook, stirring frequently until the meat is brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Place the cooked chicken hearts, including oil, in a blender with tomatoes, including juice. Puree.

Place the flour, cooked rice, chicken-heart puree and basil in a large bowl.

Mix thoroughly to combine.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.

Using a cookie cutter, cut into heart shapes. Combine dough scraps and continue to roll out and cut into shapes until all dough has been used.

Place cookies on ungreased, foil-lined baking sheets and bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the cookies dry in it for 3 hours or overnight. Makes 5 to 6 dozen.