I have not spent so much time in my backyard since the days of laying out with Sun-In and Coppertone with my sister. On the days we were not at the pool we set up an oscillating fan and rearranged the patio chaises for the optimal sun between 11 am-2 pm. What a difference 30 (ahem) years makes. Last week, I evaluated my backyard and introduced this idea. And, I had so much fun rediscovering ways to rewild our backyard. Birdseed was a fun and inexpensive way to entice the birds (and a few squirrels). I decided it would be fun to make birdseed cakes.
The best part of figuring out how to make birdseed cakes is that the recipe is almost failproof. The only issue is to measure the Karo syrup, don’t eyeball it. #wink
The second best part of these birdseed cakes is the refreshing reminder that birds (and squirrels) are not picky eaters. I found this out after this happened last week. It was like an all you can eat birdseed buffet for the birds (and squirrels). There is no social distancing between these backyard critters.
The recipe is below and the preparation is the same for any cake. Just follow the directions. I eyeballed the Karo syrup and I might have added a smidge more than the three tablespoons. The first batch was extra sticky and required more dry time.
I don’t think the birds will complain.
I had a mini- bundt cake form so I made a few birdseed bundt cakes for my first batch of birdseed cakes. How cute is this birdseed (bitty bundt) cake?
HOW TO MAKE BIRDSEED CAKES
Equipment
- JELLO MOLD OR FORM
- TWINE OR STRAW TO MAKE HOLE IN CAKE TO HANG
Ingredients
- 3 CUPS WILD BIRD SEED
- 1/2 CUP BOILING WATER
- 3 TBSP KARO SYRUP
- PACKET UNFLAVORED GELATIN
- 3/4 CUP FLOUR
- COOKING SPRAY FOR MOLD
Instructions
- SPRAY MOLD OR FORM WITH COOKING SPRAYMIX BOILED WATER AND GELATIN DISSOLVESADD INGREDIENTS AND FOLD UNTIL BLENDEDTHE "BATTER" IS STICKY FOLD DOUGH INTO FORMS. FOR LARGER FORMS DOUBLE THE BATCH. SET ASIDE TO DRY
Did you see these recent Porch & Patio & Yard Projects?
That looks like a fun (yet sticky) project! I try to repel the squirrels from our deck, they can be destructive! We still get our share though!
These look like so much fun, Laura. I’m going to have some extra time on my hands this Summer and I may take a whirl at these. Hope the birds like my meals better that the Mister!