Wildlife Treats
Ingredients:
2 cups wild bird seeds (see note below)
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries, chopped
3/4 cup water
3 packets unflavored gelatin
cooking spray or coconut oil or shortening
Tools needed:
saucepan
wooden spoon & small kitchen spoon
skewer
cookie cutters, (approx 12), open faced (no handles)
parchment/wax paper
twine/ribbon
Instructions:
1. Line a large baking sheet/tray with wax/parchment paper.
2. Spray the inside of cookie cutters with baking spray or grease with shortening/coconut oil. (A thin coat of oil will make it easier to release the treats.)
3. Arrange all the cookie cutters upside down on the lined baking sheet/tray. These will be your molds.
4. Pour the water into a small saucepan and sprinkle with the gelatin.
5. Stir and warm the liquid over medium heat until the gelatin has dissolved, for about 3 to 5 minutes. (Stir continually to avoid burning.) Once the gelatin has dissolved, take off the heat. (do NOT boil)
6. Add bird seeds and raisins/cranberries to large mixing bowl.
7. Pour gelatin liquid over the seed mixture. Stir well with wooden spoon until the seed mix is completely coated in gelatin.
8. Using a small spoon, fill each cookie cutter with the seed mixture.
9. Using the back of the spoon or your fingers, pack and press down the seed mix until the cookie cutter is completely full and seeds are compressed into the mold shapes. Add mixture until all shapes are filled and compacted.
Tips: Might help to grease your fingertips with a little oil if it’s too sticky. Also, if the mixture cools down too much, you may need to re-warm on the stovetop just until the gelatin is liquid again.
10. Carefully poke a skewer into each shape to make a hole for the twine/ribbon. (You will not thread the twine/ribbon through until later after the shapes have fully dried.)
11. Put the tray into the refrigerator or in a cool dry place, and let the wildlife treats dry for at least 6 hours or preferrably overnight, until they become firm and dry.
12. Carefully press the treats out of the cookie cutters.
13. String with a piece of twine or ribbon for hanging.
14. Hang outside on tree branches and watch the wildlife enjoy your creations!
Notes: Because these are made with gelatin they will do better in the cooler seasons than in the heat of summer. If not putting them outside right away, you can store these in an airtight container or zip-lock bag in a dry, cool place (away from moisture and heat). If stored correctly, these treats can last for 4 to 6 months.
