My wife and daughter saw a commercial for Easter Bunny tryouts being hosted by a candy company—you all know the one. 

They were so inspired that I came home to a room full of Siberian huskies wearing bunny ears, a small camera full of pictures and my family having the time of their lives. I’m sharing those pictures with you today. Welcome to my world!

Speaking of my evolving world, ever since I wrote that column about cooking for canines, I have been inundated with ideas from friends and family alike.

This one friend suggested I make a soup for my dogs but I have this 10-month-old puppy that likes to splash in her water, and wiping soup from the counters and walls is not my idea of a fun day. I don’t have a clue how to stop her but I hope she outgrows that little idiosyncrasy soon.

However, that gave me an idea for using the powdered beef base that can be purchased at any grocery store, I’m told. Publix has it in the imported foods section and I couldn’t find it at all in Winn Dixie, but that might just be my lack of searching skills.

Anyway, pop a bag of popcorn (unsalted) and take the powdered beef base and sprinkle it generously all over the popped kernels, and I promise your dogs will love it.  Go ahead and try a piece, and you all know you are going to try at least one. Then see how many yuck faces you can make in a minute, but I guarantee the dogs will be very happy.

Last but not least for today, ever wonder what to do with all that stuff that comes in the plastic bag inside the turkey? My wife cooked a turkey for Sunday and I almost gave the ‘goodies in the bag’ to the dogs right away but started thinking about some type of casserole, and this is what I came up with.         

The following recipe can be used with any leftover meats or partial fatty meats that you would consider undesirable but your pets would love to eat. The fatty cuts are great for their coats, as well as yours.

                                          Gizzard Casserole

Set oven to 350 degrees

1 bag of plastic bag turkey stuff, diced and bones removed (bag removed, also)

(chicken gizzards can be substituted along with turkey or beef fat)

3 cups rice (cooked)

2 carrots--cut into medium pieces

2 stalks celery--cut into medium pieces

1/4 cup olive oil or butter

1/3 cup flour

1/2 cup shredded cheese

1 cup beef base or stock

Cook the veggies in the oil until they "sweat" (cook enough to be shiny and soft).

Add turkey pieces and cook until almost done (the fat should reduce by half).

Add flour and stir. Mixture will be thick and chalky.

Add beef base and stir until a gravy is formed (add a little water if necessary).

Add rice, transfer to baking pan and sprinkle with cheese.

Cook for 35-40 minutes

Allow to cool, thoroughly

P.S.--This recipe is also human friendly but you better make sure you are really hungry. 

I’m thinking about some type of canine fruit cake. Any ideas out there?

Don't forget to love your pets as they love you.  Later -- Roy