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  • Creating fat cakes for garden birds - Angela's recipe

Creating fat cakes for garden birds - Angela's recipe

Angela Wilkinson
26 June 2023

Suet Cupcakes

 

Inspired by Stuart and Heather's bird watching earlier in the month, I wanted to have a go at attracting birds to my own garden. One way to attract and nourish birds is by offering them homemade fat balls. These nutritious treats provide birds with essential energy and nutrients, especially during colder months. To take the idea of a fat ball a little further, I decided instead to make little 'cupcakes' for my birds. The process of making fat cakes for birds is simple and effective recipe. By following these steps, you too can enjoy the rewarding experience of observing beautiful birds in your own backyard.

What you will need

  • Bowl
  • Lard or suet
  • Saucepan
  • Spoon
  • String or twine
  • Paper cupcake liners
  • Unsalted peanuts
  • Currants
  • Sultanas
  • Oats
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Cake crumbs
  • Grated cheese

Total Time: 12 hours (including overnight refrigeration time)

Method

  1. To begin, gather all the dry ingredients in a bowl. The ideal ratio for this fat ball recipe is one part fat to two parts dry mixture. Combine the unsalted peanuts, currants, sultanas, oats, breadcrumbs, cake crumbs, and grated cheese. Mix them thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.

  2. Next, melt some lard or suet in a saucepan over low heat. Once the fat has completely liquefied, pour it into the bowl containing the dry mixture. Stir the mixture well until the fat has been absorbed, and all the ingredients stick together. This will create a cohesive and mouldable consistency.

  3. Take your Cup cake liners and make a small hole in the bottom. Thread a length of twine or string through the hole, leaving a knot at the end to secure the string. Fill the pot with the warm fat mixture, firmly packing it down to create a solid fat cake. Repeat this process with additional yogurt pots until you have used all the mixture.

  4. Place the filled cake liners in the refrigerator overnight to allow the fat to set. The cooling process will solidify the mixture, making it easier to handle. Once the fat cakes are firm, remove them from the paper shells. Cut through the side of each pot and peel it away, leaving the fat cake intact. Remember to tie a large knot at one end of the twine to secure the cake.

  5. Now it's time to offer the delicious fat cakes to your feathered friends. Use a bird feeding table as the perfect serving counter for your delicious fat cake.  Alternatively, you can hang hang the fat cakes by string on a branch or a hook, ensuring it is at a height that allows easy access for birds. Note that  there is a risk of the cake falling to the floor, where rats could be attracted to it, make sure to keep an eye on your cake and clean up lumps or crumbs that are left behind.

    6.
  6. Sit back, relax, and patiently wait for the delightful avian visitors to come and feast on the nutritious treat you have prepared.

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