Foodie Friday: Suet Bird Treats

I know it's Foodie Friday, dear reader, but we humans are not the only ones who enjoy a good meal. This time of year, I like to feed the local wild birds. I always feel bad when I see the delicate-looking little winged creatures in the blowing wind, freezing rain, and frigid temperatures. As part of my New Year's intentions, I have vowed to do one thing a week that I enjoy for no other reason than it makes me happy. My one activity of happiness this week is making handmade suet treats for wild birds and my chickens. 

The treats are a source of energy for my favorite winged friends and help them make it through the cold winter months. I had almost everything on hand to make these, but you can find everything at the grocery store. I used heart-shaped silicone molds, but you could really use anything, or even roll them into balls. I placed natural cotton twine at the top of mine to use as a hanger for the wild birds. However, for my chickens, I created treats with no hanger or twine. 

This little activity is simple, easy, and fun. It would be a great activity to do with kids. I gently encourage you to do something small that brings you joy and helps our animal friends. Although technically it's not a food for us, it is a meal for wintering feathered lovelies. 

Ingredients:

-1 cup lard, tallow, or coconut oil

-2 cups cracked corn

-1 cup black sunflower seeds

-1/2 cup flax seeds

1/2 cup peanuts (unsalted)

1/2 cup dried currants, raisins, cranberries, or prunes

1/2 cup peeled sunflower seeds (unsalted)

Directions:

-Melt the lard, tallow, or coconut oil over low heat

-While the lard is melting, mix your dry ingredients in a large bowl.

-Once the lard is melted, carefully add it to your dry ingredients and mix thoroughly with a spoon. 

-When the mixture is cool enough to handle, press it into molds or roll it into balls. If you are adding twine to hang from a tree, bury the twine in the center of the mixture and allow it to harden. 

-I placed mine outside on our snow-covered porch banister to cool quickly. 

-Simply hang your suet treats from a tree branch, preferably where you can see them from a window, and enjoy the show the hungry little birds put on for you. You won't be disappointed. 

On this lovely January Friday, stay safe, be smart, enjoy feeding the little feathered friends, and keep washing your hands.