Hay, Be My Valentine

Peppermint Oat MushPonies Treats

I was first introduced to these little bites of heaven for horses when one of our volunteers made them to treat our rescued horses. You can see how Hayden couldn't wait to eat one or 10! He would do ANYthing for these treats and could sense when a treat was in your pocket. Let's just say your horse (and all other equines) will mug you for these special treats. And they make great gifts.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups bran
1 1/2 cups grain
1 8oz bag MushPonies crushed* (Shop MushPonies here)
1 cup quaker oats
1 cup flax seed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup honey (or molasses)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup applesauce
1 bag of peppermint candies

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

2. Chop your carrots. You can also shred them or buy pre-shredded carrots.

3. Combine carrots, honey and applesauce together in your stand mixer. Chef's Tip: Spray measuring cup with oil before you measure your honey to help it flow out of the cup instead of sticking.

4. Combine all dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the carrot/honey/applesauce mixture until thoroughly combined.

6. Spoon your mixture into your ungreased mini muffin pans. The mixture will not rise so you can fill each muffin bowl to even.

7. Push a peppermint into the center of each muffin and pull it back out leaving an indentation. Use one peppermint to do all of the muffins.
   IMPORTANT TIP: This is a messy step and you may be tempted to just leave the peppermints in, but if you do, the inside of the candy will melt completely and leak into the bottom of your treats making them even stickier and leave the center of your treat hollow.

8. Bake for 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and add the peppermints into the indentations.

9. Bake for 10 more minutes. Then let cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before you turn them out of the tins onto a cooling rack to completely cool.

10. The peppermints will be melted enough to make them combine with the treats. Store in a sealed container. Makes about 4 dozen.

** I treat my horses with Mushponies everyday because it contains an Immune Supporting Supplement that features the Coriolus Versicolor Mushroom (CVM) which is an all-natural botanical. This treat also includes Glucosamine, Carotene and Chondroitin for Joint Health. It's always important to remember that any treat is not replacement for your horse’s regular meal plan. Treats are meant to reward good behavior and for training. Always check with your vet about any major changes to your horse’s diet.