It's officially the dog days of summer, which has me thinking of our four-legged friends. I love my dog as much as the next person. But considering that most folks spend less than 15 minutes preparing dinner for their family, I can't understand why they would spend more time on a recipe for their dog? Or spend money on treats from a doggie bakery. Obviously Rachel Ray disagrees, and Martha Stewart, and that's their right. But I would like to see people spend as much time on something yummy for themselves or their family.

But as it is the dog days of summer and the beginning of the school year, this recipe seems appropriate. Don't let the name fool you — this is a snack mix for people. According to Linda Franzo, proprietor of the Passionate Platter cooking school in Slidell, La., kids love the title and the recipe. It's perfect for brown bagging to school (and the office).