Lambs Farm aims to beat Guinness' largest dog biscuit record
Any recipe that contains 50 pounds of peanut butter is bound to produce something big.
For the staff at Lamb's Farm, the goal this week has been to bake the world's largest dog biscuit - an approximately 400-pound canine concoction.
Staff hopes to top the Guinness World Record of 379 pounds.
"We make it in our own bakery in several pieces," said Jackie Rachev, communications coordinator for the organization that offers a variety of programs for adults with developmental disabilities.
The final product will be revealed during Lambs' Woofstock festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., today. Lamb's Farm is I-94 and Route 176 in Libertyville.
Rachev shared some observations about the big biscuit with the Daily Herald.
Q: When did you get the idea to pursue the world's record for the largest dog biscuit?
A: We decided in early April to research the possibility of competing for the largest dog biscuit while planning this year's Woofstock event. The largest dog biscuit would fit in perfectly with Woofstock because this is a fun event designed for dogs and their owners. Plus, we bake and sell our own Lambs Farm dog treats.
Q: What was the feeling when you learned what the record to beat was?
A: We knew it was a very big goal, but we were very excited to try it. I think it speaks to the spirit of Lambs Farm and our participants that we undertook this challenge and never looked back.
Q: Were there test runs? What was learned?
A: We had several test runs and learned quite a bit. Most importantly, due to the weight and amount of dough needed, the biscuit took much longer to bake than originally thought.
Q: How was it made?
A: Since Lambs Farm makes lots of baked goods for stores and other clients, we are very lucky to have big mixers and ovens. Everything was made with our normal equipment and baked in a 6-foot oven.
Q: What ingredients are used and in what proportions?
A: The biscuit was made following our original dog treat recipe with the proportions increased. This included 200 pounds of whole wheat flour, 100 pounds of white flour, 50 pounds of peanut butter, 28 pounds of water, 20 pounds of eggs, and, 10 pounds of powdered milk.
Q: How long did it take to bake?
A: Each piece needed about 5 hours to bake and several more hours to rest.
Q: Was it made in one big batch?
A: The biscuit was made in four patches, weighing approximately 100 pounds each before baking.
Q: How did it fit in the oven?
A: There were four pieces. Our oven has numerous rotating shelves that are approximately 6 feet across.
Q: How do you move it?
A: The biscuit will be moved into place with the help of several very strong men and a truck bed. It will be displayed on two picnic tables.