AnimalPalooza: 2012

December 27, 2012

Happy Birthday Raja!

Happy 20th birthday to Asian elephant Raja at Saint Louis Zoo

Raja was the first elephant born at the St Louis Zoo. He turns 20 years old today. He has fathered 3 daughters and has a new baby on the way, due sometime in the spring.

Here's a cute video highlighting Raja's life...

December 19, 2012

Make this special treat for that special doggie in your life. Doggie Bark also makes a great Christmas gift for other doggies in your life. (I hear that reindeer are also partial to this bark!)

Be sure to use carob chips, not chocolate chips -- chocolate is harmful to canines

What you'll need

4 cups carob chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup dry-roasted peanuts or chopped walnuts
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

How to make it

In a bowl, melt the carob chips in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir them with a wooden spoon, then microwave for 30 seconds more.
Stir in the peanut butter and microwave for another 15 seconds. Stir the ingredients again to combine.
Add the nuts and the cinnamon, then stir the mixture to coat the nuts.
Line an edged cookie sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the mixture onto the foil and chill it for 15 minutes in the freezer or 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Remove the bark and break it into roughly 1- by 2-inch pieces. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Makes about 70 pieces.

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