Scrumptious Suet

Suet is a tasty treat for your feathered friends to enjoy, and is especially welcome during the winter months. Staying warm uses a lot of energy, and the fat content in suet will help the birds to replenish their lost fat stores.

Materials

• 1 cup bacon and beef fat leftover from your cooking – I keep mine in a tin in the fridge.
• Baking molds
• 1/2 cup mixed bird seed
• ¼ cup dried berries (cranberries, blueberries, etc.) and cracked corn – We used blackberries.
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter (optional)
• Yarn

Instructions

• In a medium, uncovered pot, gently heat lard or leftover bacon/beef fat on low heat. CAUTION!

Heating the lard should only be attempted by an adult. Lard at high temperatures may cause a grease fire. Please take appropriate safety precautions, and familiarize yourself with how to properly extinguish a grease fire before attempting this activity!

• Add the bird seed and berries to the melted lard.
• Pour the mixture into heat-safe molds.
• Refrigerate until solid.
• Run the base of the mold under hot water to help the suet slide out without breaking.
• Wrap yarn around the suet to create a suet cage, or place it in an actual suet cage.

We strung some cheerios on the yarn as a special treat for the squirrels.

• Hang from your favorite tree or feeder hook, and watch the birds flock to your yard.

What is your favorite suet recipe? How do you feed the birds throughout the winter?