Cooking for Canines: Cheesy "Milk" Bones

Today I am excited that our evil giant cable conglomerate has opted to show the Steelers game, and I get to watch my boys play the Fish.

Layla is excited that in the midst of my biweekly bread baking, I decided that she also needed a fresh baked treat.  

For the past few weeks, I've been buying her treats from the natural pet store.  They aren't very much more expensive, and I feel good about the lack of fillers and preservatives in the ones we pick.  Yesterday, we ran out.  The store is maybe 3 blocks from me, so it's out of pure selfishness that I refuse to leave my television and go buy some more.  (Hey!  They show the Steelers on TV here about 4 times a year, and I soak it up as much as I can.)  I see this as a challenge.  If I can make Oreos and royal shortbread, I can certainly muster up some dog treats, right?

Plus, I have these adorable dog bone cookie cutters.

I think she's happy with the situation.

Layla's Cheesy "Milk" Bones

(You could easily customize this basic recipe with whatever your pup likes.  Substitute chicken broth for the milk, add garlic powder or bacon bits or whatever you like.  I wanted to try a basic recipe first.) 

1-1/2 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup butter, softened

1-1/4 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese

1/3 cup milk

 Mix together the flour, salt and cheese.  Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix in the softened butter until crumbly.  Add the milk and mix until combined.  Press into a ball; roll out on a floured surface to approximately 1/4" thickness.  Cut into shapes.  Bake at 375 for14-15 minutes, until brown around the edges.  Cool completely before sharing with your furry friends.