Happy 10th birthday, Penny! {pupcakes recipe}

My little darling strawberry blond baby turned 10 yesterday! It feels like yesterday that I was 19 (she was an early 20th birthday gift) and moving into my first apartment before sophomore year of college. She was so small that I put her in the bathtub while we were moving things in, and she couldn't jump out - only scream at the top of her lungs!

This little girl has been at my side for most of life's big moments so far: college and grad school; living in multiple places in Florida, Chicago, and South Carolina; meeting, dating, and marrying Alex; a handful of job changes; building a house, selling that house, and buying another one; numerous vacations (at one point, she was a frequent flier); and putting up with her crazy sister Ellie when we decided to add a golden to the family. Through it all, she's been my little sidekick and my constant. She makes me smile every single day! 

To celebrate Penny turning double digits, I (obviously) had to throw a pawty for her. The guest list was short - just us Hamiltons, since most of her doggie friends don't live here - but the cupcakes, pupcakes, and gifts did not disappoint!

Mama's girl/Family Photo/Daddy's princess

A tower of pupcakes made Penny and Ellie two pleased pups!

Alex and I couldn't be left out, so I made cupcakes for us (with princess pink frosting, of course)

I considered ordering Penny a little cake from a local barkery, but opted instead to make her some pupcakes: nothing says "I love you" like homemade, right? 

I found a recipe online but tweaked it a little due to what I had on hand. These were super easy to make and the girls devoured them. Luckily, we have ample leftovers so they will be enjoying them all week! 

Pawty Pupcakes Recipe

1 egg

1/4 c. peanut butter (I used regular 'ole peanut butter)

1/5 c. vegetable oil

1/3 c. carrots, finely chopped or sliced

1/2 c. flour (I used regular white flour, not wheat)

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a mini-muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Mix all ingredients together and scoop into muffin tin. Bake for 20 minutes. Yields a baker's dozen mini pupcakes! (And yes, I did garnish with a faux candle made from a paper straw and tissue paper. Safety first!)

Amaze your dog with your pupcakes skillz

I've always had dogs, but Penny has blessed me like no other pup so far. She is truly my little puppy love and I'm so, so glad she was placed in my life nearly ten years ago!

Praying for many more years of Penny making me smile! Happy birthday, pumpkin!

xo
KH