How to Make Your Own Treat
Gertens has a wide selection of Suet to choose from, or you can make your own version following the steps below. This is a fun project in which the kids can participate. These bird treats are a great food source and needed fat for the birds in winter. Hang them in suet feeders, trees and shrubs near your windows to provide good bird watching opportunities.
Ingredients
- Pure Suet
- Cornmeal
- Peanut butter
- Variety of nuts and dried fruits, i.e. dried cranberries, peanuts, dried corn, raisins etc. (It is easier to work with if these are chopped into small bits.)
- Birdseed i.e. black oil sunflower seeds, thistle seed, safflower, etc.
- Oranges and lemons, cut in half with center fruit scooped out
- Cookie cutters
- Small dowels or wooden skewers
- Raffia or twine
Step 1: Place the suet in a glass bowl and microwave until melted
Place the suet in a glass bowl and microwave until melted. Mix together 3 parts suet to 2 parts cornmeal to 1 part peanut butter. Allow the mixture to sit until it becomes firm enough to work. Form the mixture into balls (about the size of a tennis ball). Put the dowel or skewer through the center. Take the raffia or twine and tie a knot onto each side of the ball with a loop between long enough for hanging. Roll the suet balls into seeds, nuts and fruit. Place onto wax or parchment paper on a cookie sheet and put in the refrigerator or freezer long enough for the balls to harden, then hang outside.
Step 2: Cut the lemons and or oranges in half
Cut the lemons and or oranges in half. Scoop out the fruit inside. Push 2 dowels or skewers through the rind perpendicular to each other, forming an X. Tie the raffia or twine to these as in #1. Pack the cup with the suet mixture forming a mound that is higher than the sides of the rind. Dip in seeds, fruit or nuts. Hang outside.
Step 3: Cut a dowel or skewer the width of your cookie cutter
Cut a dowel or skewer the width of your cookie cutter. Take the suet mixture and flatten, leaving it thick enough for the cookie cutter. Take the dowel or skewer and tie a knot onto the center forming a loop for hanging. Press this dowel or skewer with the twine into the suet mixture. Decorate with the seeds, nuts and fruit. Place on wax or parchment paper on a cookie sheet and put in the refrigerator or freezer until hardened. Hang up.
The experts at Gertens are always available to answer your questions!
