Take care of the Birds . . .

The Farmers' Almanac is projecting a cold winter this year.
Taking care of  the birds is always important.  Their needs are simple :  high energy food and unfrozen water.

A fun option and great gift for bird lovers, of all ages, are bird seed wreaths.


Recipe for bird seed wreaths :

Supplies
4 cups bird seed feed
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup water
3 Tblspns. corn syrup
1 package of plain gelatin
Non-stick cooking spray
*Options to add include melted peanut butter, raisins ..... crushed nuts

For the mold: used, washed out butter tubs + an empty toilet paper tube for the center to make the hole.  Or anything that has the shape you want.
Bundt pans work wonderfully.

Directions:
Step 1: In a large bowl put 1/2 cup warm water and gelatin mix together and let the gelatin dissolve.
Step 2: Whisk in the corn syrup and flour to create a paste.
Step 3: Add 4 cups of the bird seed + options, to the large bowl and stir well.  ( I would suggest a large serving fork with at least 4 tines. )
Step 4: Spray the mold, generously, with a non-stick cooking spray, then scoop the seed mixture into them as evenly as possible.
Step 5: Tap down the seed with the back of a spoon.
Step 6: After 24 hours turn them over onto little paper plates and then allow to dry for an additional 24 hours.

Tie ribbon on the wreath for hanging.   (I would not suggest hanging a wreath on the door of your home.   Though it would be attractive for a minute, you really don't want to encourtage birds to fly near your door and possibly into your home.)

*Personal Tip:  I usually have scraps of 'hardware cloth' (wire mesh screen) waiting for a project,  I am adding it to the mold after adding 1/2 of the seed, to add extra stability to the wreath.  Once bird and squirrels start eating the seed wreath, they often crumble.  The addition of the metal will help hold it together a little longer.