A Wild Christmas
Some time ago, a friend gave me two suet logs which he had made. I considered what to put into the holes.
He told me that the local bird feed store stocks plugs of suet, made just the right size, which will go right into the holes and delight all suet - seeking birds. Then he said this....
"but I make my own."
oh oh.... That got me going, and here is what happened....
I looked on line to how to make suet from beef fat. It seemed a simple enough process, so I went to speak to the butcher. I figured he would have some beef fat nearby, and he could just hand some over, but he did not! He told me, though, that he would save some for me, if I were to return the following afternoon. Which I did. The beef fat was less than $3, and there was a lot!
Step one is to chop up, and then to melt the fat. This is done over a low heat, and it takes a lot longer than I expected.
I melted fat, and melted fat and melted fat. It doesn't make the house smell very good, I must say.
At the end of the melting, you have these little "cracklings" left. I have no idea what these are, or what to do with them, so they went in the trash. My dogs were VERY interested in these.
After the fat is melted, you mix in anything you wish. I added cornmeal, and a little peanut butter. I also put some dry cranberries in.
I mixed it all up and put it in a large sheet pan to harden. I put it in the refrigerator to speed this process along.
After a day or so, I cut the suet mixture into little bars.
These fit nicely in the holes, and I had a good bunch to save for later.
I put them in the freezer, but I was sure to label them CLEARLY. The thing is, they looked like little human cookies. I did not want a family member to find those, and take a nice bite expecting a sweet taste and get... ICK!
I know I have mentioned this book before:
This entire process brought to mind this book. In this case, if someone gives you a suet feeder, just pay the couple of bucks and buy the suet!
These are in all the places you buy bird seed, and so inexpensive. Really, I will never make suet again. I am glad I did once, but I will not again.
On a happier note, I have since seen two birds previously not common in my yard. A Red Breasted Nuthatch and a Ruby Crowned Kinglet.
No, I did not take these photos! The birds were here, but not when I was ready to take a nice photo of them!
So, I must say, despite it all, I believe in the magic of Christmas Suet!
As I close, let me say: Happy Christmas to you, and to all the wild creatures too!
