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I am one of those people who wants to get all of the shopping done as soon as possible, so that baking can be a priority. Those of you that know me, know I get requests for fudge and cookies, sweet flavors of breads and more cookies for the holidays. My daughter has taken my Chocolate Chip Cookies to school and work for years, they never last long...and no matter how often she gets asked for the secret, as to why they are so good, she never shares.  I think that's another family trait, as Grandma W made sure to keep some of her recipes secret. They were her "claim to fame".

With the Holidays coming up, knowing you will be spending it with family and friends, don't forget the Canines in your and their lives. They, of course, deserve a little something special too!

If you are shopping for Bear Bones Bakery Treats for them, please know that I will be working hard to fill any orders that come into me, and if you want to meet up to pick them up please feel free to call me at 513-341-8583, or email me at megan@bearbonesbakery.biz. I will do my very best to help get those yummy treats to you!

Grizzly and I want to make your Holiday Shopping easier. 

Happy Holidays, from Bear Bones Bakery to all of you!

Okay, so having been at a few events these past couple of months, I wondered why the best sellers at those events don't equate to the best sellers online...

Then a dear friend mentioned that they aren't able to smell the amazing scents of the treats online like in person. Okay, so he also mentioned I wasn't there with my Grizzly to explain the flavors as well as let you smell them.

That being the case, I added a Best Sellers to the main page, but also wanted to explain them in more detail, because the flavors are just fantastic...

Peanut Butter

A whole jar of peanut butter goes into making around 3 dozen treats. So lets just say that if you like the smell of peanut butter, this will remind you of a peanut butter cookie. What it says to your Canine, is OH YUMMY. 

I have sold out of the Peanut Butter Treats at every single event, including the Training Treat size. Most recently I also sold out of the Gluten Free Peanut Butter Treats. These go fast, and once you smell them, you will see why.

People have even returned to other events just to buy more! So trust me, and the testimonials from customers that these are a huge hit!

Meatball

This fantastic treat has the scent of a meatball. It has cheese and seasonings just like my Italian Grandma used to make, and it has been one of the next best sellers at events. 

Along with Bacon, Bacon.

Bacon, oh gosh do we love bacon at our house. What isn't to love? These treats smell like freshly fried bacon, and I love letting people smell the boxes (the bacon strip I use to cut them out means that you have to smell from the side, I have to tape it shut to keep it closed!). The absolute glee at the scent makes you know not only do people love them, but so will their Canines.

Chicken

The chicken treats are a huge hit with the Tamaskan puppies, and I send them to their new homes with a box of the Training Treats since they are trained with chicken. But it isn't just Tamaskan's who love them!

Online, hands down, Chicken is the biggest seller. After all, you don't need to smell the chicken to know what it is... 

Although we also sold out of Chicken Training Treats at several events.

Puppy Mint and Beef

The two flavors seem to sell equally well, depending upon the places I have been this summer.

In NC, I made and handed out some of the Puppy Mint Treats to Grizzly's friends at the dog park. If the fact that the dogs came running as soon as they saw me was any indication, they quickly learned I am the person who bakes their favorite Treats!

The Puppy Mint is a peppermint flavored treat, Grizzly inspired (he actually inspired the entire bakery). If he would eat an entire bag of Brach's peppermints (10 lbs), and loves Altoids, you can understand why this was inspired by him. At home we can't say peppermint, so the name became Puppy Mint.

Beef, online, is also a hit. It is a Foundation Flavor, also available in Gluten Free (Peanut Butter, Chicken, Beef and Puppy Mint flavors are available in Gluten Free).

These treats are made in my kitchen, with lots of love thrown in, since I have made them for my dogs since I was 12. Aging myself here, that's 40 years. They have no preservatives or additives, are made from human grade ingredients, and have been tasted and approved by me prior to baking them for Grizzly (and the rest of my amazing Taste Testing Team) to approve.

Please let me know how your Canine enjoys our Bear Bones Bakery Best Sellers, and send a picture. We will enjoy seeing them, and will happily add them to our Testimonials!

I got the really amazing opportunity to go visit Stoney Creek Tamaskan yesterday, and oh the puppies! 

7 of the most absolutely beautiful puppies, guarded by an incredible mother in Kira.

I didn't want to leave! The puppy breath, the little wiggly bodies cuddling up...oh the babies are just so darn cute you wouldn't want to leave them either. (forgive the hair look, they loved digging around in my hair...)

Then let's add in the pack of adults, literally.

I got approval from the entire pack, which basically translates into ear licks and climbing up for cuddles (depending on their size, you might just hope the climb happens while sitting down, lol).

Tamaskans are a very rare breed dog, not yet acknowledged by the AKC. They are part of the ARBA (American Rare Breed Association) where they win awards like crazy. Their history is also very interesting, and most people consider them wolves, however they are not in fact wolves.

I was amazed to find they do still single track, unlike canines I am more familiar with, and have the ability to turn their front wrists the way we do. This allows them to turn on a dime, and makes them amazingly good at doing things like running on a sled team.

Thank you so much to Joann, for letting me take part in such a unique experience with the adults and puppies.

I love me some Tamaskans! Especially those Stoney Creek Tamaskans!

There are many things I am thankful for this year, so I want to recognize those things with Thanksgiving coming up...

I am thankful to have an amazing family, and fantastic parents who are supportive of me no matter what I do. 

I am thankful for the blessings of friendships that have become more like family, and the support and love, not to mention crazy questions you answer any hour of the day or night. 

I am so thankful to all of those friends we have met because of Bear Bones Bakery events, your support of the treats, of me as the baker, and of the amazing canines you have treated with our various Bear Bones Bakery treats. Also, thank you so much for sharing your stories with me...I look forward to hearing more, and sharing more with your canines through the years to come.

I am thankful for all the family that left an impression on me, no longer here. Because of them, I am who I am, and a special thanks to Grandma W for teaching me to bake. Without family both here and passed, and supportive friends (thank you Jo and Mark, I love you both for your friendship and support), Bear Bones Bakery would never have become.

And when thinking of the Bear Bones Bakery existence, I have to thank my special canine, Grizzly. He is the inspiration behind the Bakery name, my lovable Bear. 

So with many blessings having been part of this past year, from my house to yours, have a fabulous Thanksgiving.

Megan

Today we had a bazaar at Edgewood High School in Trenton. I have to say, the student athletes were amazing and so incredibly helpful both in setting up and carrying out and they were polite, sincere and genuinely kind. It was such a pleasure to meet all of them, and Grizzly was happy to let them come pet him!

We also saw many friends that had prior met us at other events, and it was great to see them returning for new Bear Bones Bakery treats! I was not surprised to sell out of the full size Peanut Butter treats, or the Peanut Butter Training Treats.

However, selling out of the Bacon, Bacon in both sizes was a bit surprising!

I haven't quite figured out what sells, since prior events sold out of the Meatball, and left me with Bacon!

But I was so happy with the day, that we signed up for next year's event (check events for details, I will post it soon). And to have a request to come back in the spring for an event that is in the works for the Edgewood band (by the person who runs the BSA event that I loved attending).

Yes. Yep. Oh Yes, Grizzly and I will be happy to be there!

Thank you Edgewood, thank you to those friends we saw again, and those we got to meet.

Grizzly says 2 paws up, now he needs a nap!

Okay, so that Bakery Brain started out sort of as a joke, but has become the way friends and family know my creative baking juices are flowing...Usually followed by, something along the lines of don't be surprised if I don't answer the phone for a while! And they all know to leave a message.

It occurred to me, however, that you may wonder where the flavors came from for Bear Bones Bakery. Since you already know the title came from Grizzly, my handsome boy...maybe I should explain more about the Treats themselves.

When I was young, my mother passed away, so her mother taught me how to bake. I have been baking treats for my personal dogs more years than I care to admit...starting out with Chicken, then Beef, then Peanut Butter (although I forgot to write the ingredients down for the recipe, I recreated it to great success once again, thank goodness). Those became the foundation flavors of Bear Bones Bakery. Adding, again because of Grizzly, the Puppy Mint.

And yet, I wanted to find something to represent other people in my life and keep them part of this Bear Bones Bakery because they have been supportive of me through life, as well as this new venture that I so love!

Grandma, who always had meatballs on the stove when I came driving up to the curb, and I could smell from the second I opened the car door, was the reason behind Meatball. And every time I smell them cooking, or open a box for a customer to smell, I smile because Grandma would be smiling at being represented.

Then I added Bacon, Bacon to the menu. Bacon, so good, it had to be mentioned twice. The hubby LOVES bacon, ok so do I, and this one I will claim for him.

I have added other flavors at bazaars, that are not yet on the menu online:

Poppa Bear, is in honor of my Daddy. He eats fresh fruit with cereal and a bit of yogurt for breakfast every morning. I had to play with the recipe a bit, but this one is a hit.

Cranberry, reminds me of summers in Wisconsin, and because a request was made for some at Barktoberfest this year, I heard the request, and made this flavor. The bakery brain, however, is working on making it maybe with my favorite cranberry flavor, Cran-Raspberry?

Pumpkin Pie was after one of Mom's recipes, and had oats inside. Punkin' Pie because that is what Baba calls Grizzly (no oats).

Apple Pie, well gosh, what could be better?

Chewy is Bananas is after Grizzly's sister Chewy, who bobbles her head every time she runs, and we just can't call her nuts!

Chocolate Banana, from memories of making them and freezing them to eat as treats when I was younger...but in a way safe for canine's to enjoy.

Indian Rice, because I love a restaurant in NC that serves amazing Thai food...it's also good for Grizzly, who gets stiff hopping in and out of the van because it has just a titch of turmeric added.

Movie Night, okay, started out because of the BSA Troop 725 event, and because every time I eat popcorn, both dogs drool.

Pina Colada, let's be honest, was something I used to love to drink, and the smell just makes everyone smile.

Loaded Potato. Wow. Okay, so I used to go to bazaars a long time ago, one of which had the BEST loaded potato soup. Memorable. 

Elvis's the King started out as a music theme since several bazaars are in support of bands at the high schools. It's a peanut butter and banana flavor that got both Grizzly and Chewy shaking (nope, not going to say like hound dogs)...

SOOO...

Then we have to move onto the other options that have come about and why...

TRAINING TREATS

While visiting in NC, and handing out samples (yes, I became quite popular at the dog park), one of the pet parents asked about making smaller sizes for smaller dogs. Then asked about making smaller amounts for hostess gifts to people with dogs (since you typically bring a hostess gift to the two legged friends, and why not for the 4 legged ones?).

These treats have become incredibly popular at events.

GLUTEN FREE

Having several canines, including those taste testers (oh, the canine horror to make that list, lol), being gluten free, I considered making GF Bear Bones Bakery Treats part of the menu. The trick, however, was how to make the quality, while using the more expensive ingredients, and still being the other thing I always consider, a good value.

At another High School event, I was asked about Gluten Free. So it brought that Bakery Brain back into action, and after test baking for the quality, I decided to add Gluten Free in the Foundation Flavors. 

Now that you know how I think, let me know what you think!

Grizzly and Megan (aka Bakery Brain) are interested!

And, yes, Megan is still thinking about other flavor ideas.

Don't be surprised if you see more options available in 2020!!! Let's hope Megan can keep up with the baking ideas...

Do you have a canine that is gluten free?

I know of several that truly get ill from even limited amounts of gluten. One was my cousins beautiful Maggie, who has since crossed over the rainbow bridge, but will always be part of my Taste Testing Team in my heart. Without her I would not have tried some of the flavors that have popped up into my head, or ways to make them so that she could enjoy them without becoming ill and needing a vet visit.

My Kona friend, and his new sister Wren, are both gluten free. Although Kona can eat an entire lamb shank, bone and all, gluten causes him problems. Wren seems to eat everything from silicone dog bowls to furniture and car interiors, so I am sure she has a cast iron stomach. However, with Kona's issues, it is much safer to keep them both gluten free.

Some pet parents prefer gluten free diets for their canines, some for medical reasons.

And because of this, I have decided to offer Gluten Free flavors in the foundation flavors.

In the very near future, you will be able to order Gluten Free Bear Bones Bakery Treats in:

Chicken

Beef

Peanut Butter

Puppy Mint

Please let me know what you think, Grizzly and I would appreciate it!

I have been asked several times about the ingredients in the Bear Bones Bakery Treats.

Bear Bones Bakery Treats are made with food grade ingredients, without preservatives or additives. If Megan doesn't approve, they don't get baked for sale. Then they go through Grizzly testing (and I have yet to find a flavor he doesn't like).

There are several flavors still in the works, and will not get posted online for you to order for your canines until Megan thinks they are just right. After all, we want you to feel good about sharing these treats with your favorite friend, knowing it is safe for him or her to eat. 

For those of you wanting more information, here goes:

Bear Bones Bakery Treats May Contain the Following:

Wheat flour, flour, margarine, extracts, broth, baking soda, spices, applesauce, potato flakes, assorted fruits, assorted vegetables, rice, oats, pumpkin, yogurt, peanut butter, cheese, tea (decaf), juice, unflavored gelatin, coconut, banana chips, sour cream, coconut milk, ricotta, milk, water, baking powder, molasses, sugar, brown sugar, popcorn, cornmeal, egg, honey, bacon bits, buffalo, chicken, tuna, salmon, duck, sausage, liver, cream cheese, cottage cheese, cornstarch.

If you are wanting to find out what different flavors Megan is trying out, please feel free to email megan@bearbonesbakery.biz. We would be pleased to add you to our customer base, and let you know what is coming up! Because your canine will love these quality Bear Bones Bakery Treats, just like Grizzly and his friends!

I was so excited to set up at Hamilton High School last Friday night, because it showed me that Bear Bones Bakery is a Family Affair.

This is two fold: 

First, my amazing daughter came to help me set up, and saw for the first time what flavors of Bear Bones Bakery treats as well as the new Training Treats were available. She was very excited to help, and did a fantastic job with the flavors of Training Treats (we sold so many with her great display, it will now be part of my displays from now on). What I was happy about, was that she was excited about the entire concept. 

Don't get me wrong, my daughter is always supportive of me, as I will always be supportive of her. That goes without saying. What made this mother feel good, is that she was smelling the flavors, raving over the options, and said she was proud of me. Okay, lets be realistic here, I cried. Good tears, but still. 

Secondly, there were so many families there at the event, excited to smell, touch, and decide on Bear Bones Bakery flavors to purchase not only for their own canines, but for grand-pups, and even a few pup-nephews and pup-nieces. Yes, they couldn't pass up the chance to purchase for their favorite canines.

Grizzly met some great friends, both canine and two legged. He was proud to follow me out from behind the table to greet people. He is part of the Bear Bones Bakery family, that's for sure. And he is just pleased to be part of the team, from taste testing, to greeting customers, and still takes care of me as my service dog. 

I am thrilled that this concept of mine, with baking (something that started in my Grandma W's kitchen on her old glass bowl kitchen aid mixer) being something I love, combined with family both biological and of choice  being so supportive... This Bear Bones Bakery family will just keep growing!

By the way, those of you getting the treats, you are part of this journey, and part of the Bear Bones Bakery family! Thank you for your continued support!

My dear friend Joann, who is the breeder of some AMAZING Tamaskans, does quite a lot to socialize and entertain her pups before they head out to their new homes...

She shops on chewy.com for toys to make the pups interact and figure out how to get their treats. Mind you, she also sent them to their new homes with Bear Bones Bakery Chicken flavor Training Treats.

Since Grizzly is on that horrible 4 letter word (diet), and is my taste tester, I decided to head over to chewy.com and do some shopping of my own. 

Look, just look, what I found! I am so darn excited!

  

            Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Tornado Interactive Dog Toy           

      

  

            JW Pet Whirlwheel Flying Disk Dog Toy, Color Varies, Large           

      

  

            Ethical Pet Spot Seek-a-Treat Flip N' Slide Treat Dispenser Dog Toy, Blue           

      

  

            Ethical Pet Dura Brite Treat Ball Dog Toy, Color Varies           

      

  

            Ethical Pet Seek-A-Treat Shuffle Bone Puzzle Dog Toy           

   

Okay, so it also helps that I can easily take the seek a treat things to bazaars, and let him amuse himself with Training Treats...he didn't understand why those boxes people were opening to smell weren't being shared with him! Now, not only can I have it there, but might just show people shopping other ideas for the yummy Bear Bones Bakery Treats.

You might notice the squeaky frisbee...Grizzly is a squeaky toy fanatic, I am hoping he might just chase a frisbee if it squeaks.

Okay, so the ball is for my Chewy, hoping she learns to play too. Treats are a GREAT motivator at my house, as you can imagine.

So with the holidays coming up, go head over to chewy.com and shop for some of these great treat hiders, then head over here and order your Training Treats! Any canine would be thrilled to get these neat toys and our yummy treats!

Do you roll lots of dough like I do? Probably not, but wait until you see how easy it is...

The absolute most annoying thing I have attempted to use to have consistency with rolling out my dough was a set of little rubber bands that went on the ends of the regular rolling pins that I have in mass quantities (inherited from many family members through the years as they know I love to bake).

Those little things are difficult to get onto the rolling pin, and after two passes over the dough, they fling off of the ends. Not exactly a plus to ease and speed of rolling dough.

So in an attempt to find a much easier answer I hit up the internet on a search and was absolutely amazed at what a great product I found!

 This is called a Uniform Pastry Pin (and it is available at kingarthurflour.com). 

This has made life so much easier for me, that I ordered multiples, and even left one at my parent's house in NC!

You don't have to be a full time baker like I am to appreciate this amazing tool. But I promise you it is well worth the purchase!

Roll out your cutout cookies with ease, uniformly, and with little effort!

My few pieces of advice, roll from the inside, not on the edges, and order several! They come in 1/4" and 1/8".

Enjoy!

This weekend Grizzly and I went to our first event with our Bear Bones Bakery treats! It was so comfortable being there around a bunch of fantastic Boy Scouts and their parents and leaders, we felt thrilled to be part of this amazing event.

By the way, shout out to Melissa for setting it up, and all of her helpers and scouts for the way they handled the entire event! You guys were fantastic! I can't wait to come again next year!

We were in the basement of the church, where Grizzly immediately got comfortable on the tile...he had fun by the brand new Bear Bones Bakery sign (thank you to Jeff from canopybanners.net for his amazing work on the banner, and the ease of setting the stand up see picture below). He loved when people came by to see him!

That was not a surprise to me at all, Grizzly LOVES attention! He is the perfect Customer Greeter for the bakery! 

We set up before most people arrived:

Not bad for the first time setting up...:) I just love the Chinese carry out boxes and those amazing labels!

And when we started selling, I was somewhat amazed how well we were received with our products. Now, I know I have been cooking them for my personal pets for--GASP--over 40 years. So I know the quality is there in every treat I make. What I was thrilled about was how well the Training Treats sold; they were the highest seller of the day! They outsold even the original Chicken and Beef recipes!

Grizzly couldn't figure out why Mom opened treats for people to smell and didn't share them with him. I kept reminding him once boxed up, they weren't for him to taste test anymore.

I had a blast being there, as you can probably tell by my smile (sorry, I am not the best at taking selfies).

Thank you all who came out to support the BSA troop 725, to those who came to support Bear Bones Bakery, and to everyone for their feedback... Now, off to start baking for Barktoberfest!

Hope to see you all there!

(check out the events section to see where we are going to be setting up this year!)