Doggie Birthday Cake

The month of October is Polish Heritage Month and Holy Rosary Month. October 8 is National Pierogi Day; we serve a lot of pierogi during Fridays in Lent. October 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis being the Patron Saint of animals always leads me to mornings with my dog, Ramsay. Though St. Roch is the patron Saint of Dogs, I think most people know Francis’ association with animals more. Every morning when I am leaving for work, I kiss my fur son; tell him I love him, Jesus, his guardian angel, St. Roch & Francis are all watching over him. And finally I tell him, “Make good choices!” The reason behind that is he might rip up another pillow, tear the mattress up, or eat one of dad’s shirts before he goes outside! I love dogs so much; their unconditional love just blows me away. Ramsay turns 6 in March and as usual, I will present him with his very own doggie birthday cake. They make a nice reward too! Bonnie at the monastery just had a birthday last month and if I recall correctly, Charlie at St. Charles has a birthday in November. Maybe Brother Ray will make Charlie a cake?

Author: Chef Alison Costello of the Meldrum Soup Kitchen 

Doggie Birthday Cake
1 egg
¼ c. peanut butter
¼ c. cooking oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 c. honey
1 c. shredded carrot plus some for garnish on top
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
½ c. whipped cream cheese  (room temperature for spreading)

1) preheat oven to 350 F.
2) grease a cake pan
3) combine egg, peanut butter, oil, vanilla, & honey. Blend well. Stir in some of the carrots (save some for garnish). Fold in the flour and baking soda. Pour in pan.
4) Bake in preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Let cool about 15 minutes. Turn out on wire rack to cool. Once completely cool, spread cream cheese on top and garnish with the rest of the shredded carrot.
5) Don’t forget to sing & put a candle on top, help puppy blow it out and make a wish!