Bird Bread: A Delightful Treat for Feathered Friends
This easy-to-make Bird Bread recipe, originally featured in Bird Watcher’s Digest, is an ideal way to provide nutritious and tasty treats for your backyard birds. Using peanut butter instead of grease ensures that the mixture holds together well even in warm weather. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply want to attract a variety of birds to your garden, this recipe is both simple and effective. Let’s dive into making this delightful bird bread that your feathered friends will surely appreciate.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter 🥜
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease (or substitute with additional peanut butter for a bird-friendly option) 🥓
- 2 cups cornmeal 🌽
- 1/2 cup warm water 💧
- 2-3 cups birdseed (choose a mix or single type depending on the local bird species) 🌾
- Optional: 1/2 cup raisins, nut meats, or chopped peanuts (for added variety) 🍇🥜
Instructions
-
Melt the Fats:
- In a small saucepan, gently melt the peanut butter and bacon grease (or additional peanut butter if you prefer) over low heat. Stir continuously to ensure a smooth mixture and to prevent burning.
-
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually stir in the cornmeal until well mixed. Continue to cook over low heat, adding the warm water a little at a time. You want to achieve a thick, dough-like consistency that can hold its shape.
-
Add Bird-Friendly Additions:
- Mix in the birdseed thoroughly. If desired, incorporate raisins, nut meats, or chopped peanuts to provide extra nutrition and variety for the birds.
-
Prepare for Refrigeration:
- Transfer the mixture into small foil pans or one large flat pan, spreading it evenly. Press down firmly to ensure the mixture holds together well once set.
-
Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate the pan overnight to allow the mixture to firm up. This step is crucial as it helps the bird bread maintain its shape when you cut it.
-
Cut and Hang:
- Once the mixture is set and firm, remove it from the refrigerator. Cut it into small pieces or shapes suitable for tying onto tree branches or bird feeders.
-
Serve to Your Feathered Friends:
- Hang the pieces from branches or place them in bird feeders. Watch as your feathered visitors enjoy this nutritious and delightful treat!
Notes
- Peanut Butter Substitute: If you prefer not to use bacon grease, simply use more peanut butter. Birds love peanut butter, and it’s a great alternative that won’t melt in warmer temperatures.
- Storage: Keep any leftover bird bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for several weeks.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 3917.4
- Fat: 268.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 54.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 2453.8 mg
- Carbohydrates: 288.5 g
- Fiber: 48.8 g
- Sugar: 49.1 g
- Protein: 149.3 g
This recipe makes one pan of bird bread, and it’s an economical and enjoyable way to keep your backyard birds happy and well-fed. Enjoy birdwatching as your avian friends flock to enjoy this homemade treat! 🐦🌟
