Eat That: Mealoaf Cupcakes for Puppies 1st Birthday

“It seems to me that the good lord in his infinate wisdom gave us three things to make life bearable- hope, jokes, and dogs. But the greatest of these was dogs.”

–Robyn Davidson

I might add chocolate & family to the list…and even though I am not a terribly religious person the statement rings true. There is a loveliness to dogs that can only be preordained- either by evolution or by some grand maker. Dogs are friends who live with you, therapists who never talk back, and bed-fellows who want nothing but the warmth you provide.

Admittedly, when I first got Abby it was as a next step: Dating, Love, Marriage, House, Puppy. But she has exceeded my needs, expectations, and affection. So, to my dear friend Abby, thank you for running with me, kissing my cheek, laying by my feet when I cry. Thank you for needing me to get up from my computer and walk you. Thank you for forcing me to rise earlier everyday than I did on the first day of teaching elementary school. You are truly special, “My little dog- a heartbeat at my feet.”- Edith Warton.

Because my love for this wee creature is so great I had to make a birthday ‘cake’. But because I am not totally bonkers I also made it edible for people & healthy to boot! Thus, Turkey & Pea Mini Meatloaf Cupcakes.

Turkey & Pea Mini-Meatloaf Cupcakes

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds of light turkey meat
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup flax meal
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup Pepita seeds
1 cup frozen peas
2 eggs

For the human cupcakes I added:

2 teaspoons pink sea salt
2 teaspoons pepper
1 tablespoon chopped basil
3 teaspoons of mustard (to top)

Super easy!

Oil up your muffin tin & preheat oven to 350°F. Mix all meat, oatmeal, flax, sunflower seeds, Pepita seeds, eggs and peas together in a big bowl. I did this with my hands but if you’d prefer just get a spoon and mix until the eggs are no longer separate from the meat. Spoon/smoosh 2 puppy cupcakes into the pan. Next, mix in all the human ingredients except for the mustard and spoon the mixture into the pan. Spread the mustard on top of the human cupcakes; not only is this a great way to easily identify the human from puppy cakes but it will also make the meatloaf’s retain moisture & taste great without additional fat/calories/sugar.

Bake for 25 minutes. Humans can eat whenever; however, puppy cakes should be properly cooled. I popped Abby’s in the freezer for about 10 minutes.