Miss Murray's Marvelous Mash

This recipe was developed to give to Murray, who had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma near her jawline and was having trouble chewing hard foods. It is an excellent high-protein, soft dinner for a sick hedgehog or one who is having trouble chewing. However, it makes a good occasional treat for any hedgehog.

• 1/2 c. low-salt chicken broth
• 3 tbsp. cooked rice (may be boiled in chicken broth or water)
• 1 cooked chicken tenderloin, unseasoned (may substitute fresh salmon or tuna as desired, but do not use canned)
• pinch garlic powder (optional - some hedgehogs love it, some do not)

Heat chicken broth just to simmering in a small saucepan. Puree rice in food processor and add to broth. Dice chicken into small pieces and puree. Add to broth mixture. Add garlic powder and SnackTime powder. Cook until most of liquid is reduced, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cool completely before serving to quilly friend. Recipe doubles or triples and mash freezes well.

Suggested serving size: 1 tsp. or less as a treat, more if given to a sick hedgehog as a staple food. Since the mash contains chicken, make sure not to leave any uneaten amount out as it can spoil.

This is also an excellent way to administer many medications, both oral and powdered. Simply add the appropriate amount of medicine to about 1 tbsp. of mash and blend well. To encourage the reluctant diner, try microwaving mash for 2-3 seconds before serving. Note: always check it with your finger to make sure the temperature is okay for your hedgehog before serving.