Every now and then, I’ll hear someone ask the question, “How much money do you want?”  It’s a question that has been asked in many different varieties and in many different situations.

However, I pose a deeper question.  “Why do you want the money?”  One simple word, “why,” is linked to our values.  We all have values, humans and pups alike.

Our values drive our uniqueness and authenticity.  They even have the power to change as we have new experiences in this journey called life.  Believe me.  My values as an 8-month old pup were completely different than my values now that I’m 4.  More importantly…

Our values guide our decisions.

Life decisions.  Eating decisions.  Career decisions.  Family decisions.  And yes, even our financial decisions.  What we buy, how we save, and how we invest are directly linked to the values we hold near and dear to our hearts.

Now, as a pup there are several things that are near and dear to my heart.  There’s Mom, of course, all the socks in the universe, pupcakes, and the dream that one day I’ll finally catch that squirrel that runs up and down my favorite tree.

However, there is one value that is the root of all my financial decisions.  SELF-DISCIPLINE.  As Will Smith put it…

I actually never thought about it that way, but he’s absolutely right.  I mean, look at my pupcake portfolio.  Self-discipline has helped it grow steadily each week.  It’s kept me consistent with learning and finding new ways to expand my wealth.  Self-discipline has kept me responsible by only purchasing ingredients, materials, and resources that will help my portfolio grow.

And most importantly, self-discipline has taught me control.  With all of these pupcakes, I could easily eat one pupcake after the other with no problem.  However, I love myself too much to walk around feeling pupcake wasted.  So, I’ve learned to control those desires and focus on building my wealth through each pupcake story.

These Banana “Pup-tella” Muffin Pupcakes are dedicated to self-discipline.  The ultimate definition of self-love and the major key to success.

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 value guides the decisions you make?  Or, how has self-discipline helped you find your success?

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

“Pup-tella”

• 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter (unsalted with no added sugars)
• ¼ Cup Carob Chips
• 1 Teaspoon Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Carob Powder

Banana “Pup-tella” Muffin Pupcakes

• ½ Cup Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Mashed Banana
• 2 Tablespoons “Pup-tella”
• 1 Egg

Yogurt Frosting (Optional)

• 2 Tablespoons Plain Yogurt

Instructions

Yields: 10 – 12 Mini Pupcakes

For “Pup-tella”

1. In a small bowl, heat carob chips and olive oil in microwave in 30-second increments for 1 to 2 minutes until completely melted.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add melted carob chips, peanut butter, and carob powder. Mix until all ingredients are combined.
3. Set aside 2 tablespoons of mixture and refrigerate remaining “Pup-tella” in a container or jar until ready to serve.

 For Banana ‘Pup-tella” Muffin Pupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.  Line 10 – 12 1.75-inch mini-muffin pan with paper bake cups and set aside.
2. In small bowl mix together flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl add olive oil, mashed banana, “pup-tella,” and egg. Beat on medium speed about 2 minutes or until combined.
4. Add dry ingredients into the mixture and blend for approximately 2 minutes until well mixed.
5. Fill each cupcake liner with 1 tablespoon of pupcake mix.
6. Bake pupcakes for 12 minutes. Pupcakes are done when you can stick a toothpick into the cake and it comes out clean.  Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.
7. Drizzle or pipe yogurt frosting onto the pupcake (optional).

For Yogurt Frosting (Optional)

1. In small mixing bowl beat yogurt on medium speed.
2. Pipe, drizzle, or spread honey 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.