On Sunday night, Mom was doing her normal routine of getting ready for work the next day. While she packed her lunch and picked out her clothes, I sat in my usual spot on the foot of her bed watching her walk back and forth.

I could hear Real Housewives of Atlanta on the TV in the other room, which is definitely the norm on Sunday nights here. When all of a sudden, I heard Mom turn the TV off and turn on Bruno Mars. Next thing I know, I’m watching Mom dance around the room as she finishes getting ready for work.

Although it was a treat for me to watch Mom prance around her room, I found something even more intriguing. Those socks on her feet.

They were bold, colorful, and as Mom moved they moved with her. In fact, the same way Bruno’s music inspired Mom to dance around her room is the same way those socks inspired me to hop off the bed and move along with them. Before I knew it…

My Sunday Night Blues were gone.

Sunday nights have never been my favorite. It’s the moment I realize that tomorrow is Monday and, honestly, they can be a complete drag. After spending time with Mom all weekend, it’s hard to go back to being alone all day. There are only so many naps I can take, trash trucks I can warn to back off, or conversations I can have through my window with other dogs in the neighborhood.

So, essentially I’m by myself all day. And while I’m used to it and can handle it, the build up to get to Monday is never something I look forward to. It wasn’t until this past Sunday that I figured out a simple solution to cure those Sunday Night Blues.

As Oprah Winfrey says, “You have to find what sparks a light in you so that you in your own way, can illuminate the world.” Some might refer to their spark as their passion, purpose, or even the next idea that’s going to change the world. However, I view my spark as a feeling that inspires me to take action.

Whether it’s for 5 minutes, 5 days, or even 5 years, acting on your spark chases those blues away because you don’t have time to think about both. Your spark is there to illuminate your energy, help you relax, and inspire creativity, which will help you attack Monday morning like a boss. In other words, have some fun on Sundays.

So, whether it’s dancing around with socks, going for a quick walk, singing in the shower (no singing skills required), getting together with friends, or even something as simple as coloring, go for it. Make it a mission to add a little spark to your Sunday evenings. It’ll help you go into your Monday mornings “dripping in finesse.”

I know, I know, it was a corny joke, but you know what’s not corny…

These Raspberry Pup Pastries. They’re absolutely delicious and dedicated to adding a little spark to your Sunday nights to create Monday Morning inspiration.

And of course, we believe that every pupcake has a love story. So, while your favorite pup is PUPPY LOVIN’ on these pupcakes, we’d love to hear from you.

What’s your favorite way to add a little spark to your Sundays?

Please share your pupcake story in the box below.

And, after you’ve tried this recipe please share it with us @pupcakesugar on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or all three. We’d love to see how they turned out for you.

Ingredients

For Pup Pastries

• 1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
• ¼ Cup Water
• ¼ Cup Olive Oil
• 1 Egg

For Raspberry Jam Filling

• 1 Cup Raspberries
• 1 Teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• ¼ Cup Honey

For Glazed Icing (Optional)

• ¼ Cup Plain Yogurt
• 2 Tablespoons Pure Honey

Instructions

Yields: 12 – 14 Pup Pastries

For Pup Pastries

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. In large bowl combine flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl add water, olive oil, and egg. Add to large bowl with dry ingredients and stir until you have soft dough.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll or pat dough into a rectangle (approximately 8 x 14 inches)
5. Roll dough starting at a long edge (jelly-role style) and pinch the edge to seal.
6. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice rolled dough into half-inch thick slices. Place each slice into a 1.75-inch mini-muffin pan and bake for 12 – 15 minutes. Pupcakes are finished when they are springy to the touch.
7. Cut small hole in middle of pup pastry. Fill with raspberry jam filling.
8. Pipe or drizzle glazed icing onto the pupcakes.

For Raspberry Jam Filling

1. Put raspberries, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a saucepan. Cook and stir occasionally for 25 – 30 minutes over low heat until juices are released.
2. Bring pan to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir occasionally for 25 – 30 minutes until mixture registers 210 degrees on a candy thermometer.
3. Cut small hole in middle of the pup pastry. Fill pup pastry with raspberry jam filling. 

For Glazed Icing (Optional)

1. In small mixing bowl beat yogurt and honey together on medium speed.
2. Pipe or drizzle glazed icing onto the pupcakes.

Notes

• This recipe is for a fun treat ONLY. It should not replace your dog’s regular meals. Please consult with your vet on the best plan for your dog’s diet.