Salmon and Sweet Potato

Makes 8 servings

Be adventurous! This is a really fun recipe. Once you have made all your pockets, you boil them like old-fashioned dumplings. Your cats will love them. I usually freeze 4 pockets together and then defrost them the night before serving. If you want to reheat them, drop them in boiling water for no more than 5 minutes. The pockets will keep for 3 months in the freezer or 4 days in the fridge.

FILLING

6 cups diced salmon
3 cups cubed sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 1/2 cups chopped green beans
1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
1 tablespoon brewer's yeast
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, or 1 1/3 tablespoons parsley flakes
1 tablespoon bone meal Vi teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten

In a large mixing bowl, mix together all the ingredients.

CRUST

2/3 cup shortening
3 tablespoons butter
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, or 2 teaspoons parsley flakes
3 to 5 cups very cold water

1. Cut the shortening and butter into the flour. Add the baking powder, salt, and parsley and mix until it looks like coarse cornmeal.

2.. Add 3 to 5 cups cold water, enough to make the dough the right consistency for rolling. The dough should be smooth, not sticky.

3. Roll out the dough to a thickness of XA to 3A inch. Then cut it into 4- to 5-inch squares with a knife. You don't have to be perfect here. If you don't want to roll out your dough, take about 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten it out with floured hands on a floured board, and repeat with the remaining dough.

4. Put 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture inside each square, fold the dough over, and use the back of a fork or your fingers to pinch it closed well.

5. Fill a large stockpot with water and bring it to a boil. Drop the pockets into the boiling water. Cover, turn down the heat, and simmer for 25 minutes. Take the pockets out of the water, let cool, and serve.

Variation: Substitute turkey, chicken, or lamb for the salmon.

Cats' Eating Habits

Cats have evolved differently than dogs. If you've ever noticed your cat being finicky, one of the reasons is that cats have evolved to eat only fresh food. This is why, when you try to save canned cat food in the refrigerator, your cat may not want to eat it, as it may have acquired odors or flavors from the other foods in your refrigerator.

A cat's senses of taste and smell have evolved this way for a good reason: to protect them from getting sick. Do not feed your cat old meat or fish. (A dog is a little less picky and will eat day-old meat if it's offered.)

Did you know that it is also important for a cat to eat every 24 hours? A dog will sometimes skip a meal or two without harm, but a cat has a unique metabolism and in some cases could suffer from hepatic lipidosis (excess fat accumulation in the liver). It is important that cats get an adequate amount of food every day