Feeding the Birds!
Since our feathered friends work hard in our gardens all
year, eliminating insects and providing entertainment, it is nice to thank
them during winter with a few special treats. Here are some recipes
and ideas for feeding the birds.
Simple Bird Cakes
Carefully melt 2 c. beef suet, chopped into small pieces, in a large pan.
Stir in, 1 c. peanut butter and 6 c. cornmeal.
Spoon into paper-lined muffin cups. Cool till set. Remove and
store in freezer until needed.
Simple Bird Feeder
You will need a quart or half-gallon milk carton (paper or plastic
will both work).
Carefully melt 1 pound suet, which has been chopped into small pieces,
over a low flame, in a large pan. When melted, add 1 c. cornmeal,
1 c. popcorn, 1 c. peanut butter, 1 c. sunflower seeds, 1 c. mixed bird
seed.
Mix well, then spoon into milk carton. Chill till set.
Cut small “windows” into the milk carton, so birds have access to food.
You may also want to add a stick perch or two, by inserting small dowel
rods completely thru the carton, so they stick out evenly on two opposite
sides.
Special Bird Treats
Mix together: 2 c. bread crumbs or stale cereal, 1 c. unsalted nuts,
3 chopped apples (peel and seeds all!) 2 c. raisins, ½ c.
cornmeal, 2 c. ground suet, 1 c. peanut butter, 1 c. mixed bird seeds or
sunflower seeds. If mixture is too crumbly to stay together, add
bacon drippings until it holds shape.
Once mixture is complete, you may shape it into balls, press it into pinecones,
or press into muffin tins.
Other items you can place in a bird feeder are: crushed egg
shells, clean sand for grit, stale cheese, dry cereal or bread, grapes,
crackers or stale cookies.
Homemade Dog Biscuits
While you are baking for the holidays, don’t forget a treat for that
special friend or family member.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix together in a large bowl:
1 bouillon cube and ½ c. hot water. Stir till dissolved.
Add: 2 ¼ c. whole wheat flour, 1/2c. nonfat dry mild powder,
1 jar bacon bits, 1 egg, 2 tsp. Garlic powder, 2 T. dried parsley, 1/3
c. corn oil.
Mix dough thoroughly. Roll out ¼” thick on lightly floured
surface. Cut with cookie cutter (I like bone shapes, hearts, or cats!)
Place on greased cookie sheet.
Bake 30 min, or until firm to the touch. Cool, then store in airtight
container.