The Party - Canine Coolers

What to do when the temperature’s record-breaking and your dog’s threatening to melt into a puddle? Why not suggest Mopsy and canine crew dog-paddle ‘round the pup pool before repairing to the shade of her favourite tree with cool and refreshing poochie popsicles? Thus, ample time is saved for fanning yourself and watching Oprah. Amen.

Paw-ty Punch

3 1/2 fl oz (100 ml) apple juice 3 1/2 fl oz (100 ml) cranberry juice 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Optional: Add low-fat yogurt for a healthy, creamy cooler and/or stud with berries for a flavour boost.

Cheeky Chicken

Cocktail Cooler
7 fl oz (200 ml) chicken soup, cooled

Chicken Soup

Makes: 3 1/2 pints (2 liters) Prep time: 25 minutes Cooking time: 30-35 minutes 1 free-range chicken, cut into quarters 2 carrots, sliced 3 1/2 pints (2 liters) cold water 2 Tbsp corn flour, diluted in 3 1/2 fl oz (100 ml) cold water 2 oz (50 g) cabbage, shredded 1 Tbsp dried oregano

1. Place the chicken pieces in a large saucepan with the carrots. Add the measured water and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the stock and set aside.

2. Bring the stock back to simmering point, add the diluted corn flour and stir until it has thickened. Add the cabbage and oregano and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave to cool.

3. Discard the chicken bones and skin, and finely shred the meat. Add to the cooled soup.

Freezing Instructions
Mix the Paw-ty Punch or Cheeky Chicken ingredients together in a jug. Pour the punch, or the chicken soup, into popsicle molds or ice cube trays. If you want, replace standard lollipop sticks with rawhide chew sticks. Freeze and feed to cool canines on hot summer days.

Recipe and photos courtesy of Pup Snacks: 35 Delicious and Healthy Recipes to Bark Home About by Stephanie Mehanna (Octopus Publishing Group, 2007)