During the winter months our feathered friends may have a hard time finding food. These "Treats" may be just what they need. They are fun to make, but get an adult to help. Then enjoy watching your tree or bush become the birds favorite restaurant.

Materials:

1 1/4 lb. suet (available at meat department or save all fat trimmed from meat before cooking)
1/2 cup crushed peanuts
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup cracked corn kernels
Paper cups & piece of drinking straw same height as cup for molds (option may use decorative molds)
Option: 1 cup of wild birdseed can replace sunflower seeds and cracked corn

Instructions:

Be sure you have adult supervision when melting the suet.

Melt the suet in a pan in the oven or a saucepan using a low heat (will yield approx. 2 cups liquid fat). Carefully stir the peanuts, seeds and corn into the liquid fat, mixing to completely coat all the seeds.

Place a straw in the mold and gently spoon the mixture into your mold evenly all around the straw. Press firmly to remove holes in the treat so it will un mold in a solid block when chilled. Place in the refrigerator to cool and completely harden. When mold is solid (several hours) remove from the refrigerator, place the molds in a ziploc bag for storage in a cool dry place until ready to use.

When you are ready to hang your Bird Treats outside, twist the straw to remove it from the center of the seed and un mold the individual treat cakes. Thread a piece of cotton string (kite string works well) or cord through the center and use it to hang your treat in a tree. Move away and then watch the different birds that come by for a snack.

Record the names of the different birds or draw a picture of what they look like so you can ask their names.