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.

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