Set another place at the table for Fido -- it's dinnertime. Despite a cultural reluctance to spend more than 30 minutes making dinner, a growing number of Americans are happy to invest plenty of time -- and money -- cooking up gourmet grub for their domesticated friends.

GOTTA HAVE HEART

(Start to finish: 30 minutes)

Makes: 2 servings

2 beef hearts

1 cup white rice

1/4 cup bread crumbs

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons sunflower oil

1 cup water

1/2 cup finely grated carrot

1/2 cup finely grated turnip

In a small saucepan, combine the hearts and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat 17 minutes.

While the hearts are boiling, cook the rice according to package directions.

Drain the hearts and chop into small pieces. Transfer the pieces to a medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Allow to cool before serving.

(Recipe from Arden Moore's "Real Food for Dogs," Storey Publishing, 2001)

-- The Associated Press