I know I'm not the only one that loves cardinals. The male Northern Cardinal is perhaps responsible for getting more people to open up a field guide than any other bird. They're a perfect combination of familiarity and style: a shade of red you can't take your eyes off. Even the brown females sport a sharp crest and warm red accents. Cardinals are breathtaking in winter's snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, my heart is into hearts. I found the instructions for Tweet Treats at the FamilyFun.com site and used my heart shaped cookie cutters to make treats for the birds. I took these pictures just before Old Man Winter arrived.
A fun project to make with children too.
Enjoy!
- Materials
- 1/4-ounce package of unflavored gelatin
2 cups of your favorite wild birdseed
Three 4-inch mini bundt or fluted pans (I used heart shaped cookie cutters)
Colorful ribbon
- Instructions
- To make a batch, bring 6 tablespoons of water to a boil. Empty one 1/4-ounce package of unflavored gelatin (we used Knox brand) into 2 tablespoons of cold water in a large bowl. Let the gelatin sit for 1 minute, then add the boiling water and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until the gelatin has dissolved.
- Next, stir 2 cups of your favorite wild birdseed into the gelatin, mixing thoroughly. Let the mixture set for a few minutes, then stir again. Repeat this process a few times, if necessary. Then I lined a cookie sheet with parchment paper, and laid the cookie cutters down. I spooned the seed mixture into the cookie cutters, and let them refrigerate in my breezeway overnight. (I cut a plastic drinking straw into one inch pieces, and placed the straw into the heart to make a hole for the ribbon to hang the treats.)
- The directions said to refrigerate them for three hours and allow them to air-dry overnight.
- Finally, tie colorful ribbon around your seed treats and hang them outside in a protected spot, such as under an awning or eaves, where the rain won't melt them.
Thank you for stopping by! I am joining Seasonal Sunday.
Debbie
