It's been a long winter, and the birds are more than deserving of a valentine. Instead of chocolate hearts, they're getting ones with sunflower seeds.
And peanut butter and fruit.
These are really easy to make, or I would not be making them. (The recipe is below.) It's not necessary to use vintage heart-shaped Jell-O molds to make them. Unless you want to take cute pictures for your blog for Valentines Day.
The chickadees arrived almost as soon as the hearts did.
The nuthatches were not too far behind.
Love those little birds.
(This recipe is adapted from the excellent book "A Complete Guide to Bird Feeding" by John V. Dennis. In addition to a tasty bird treat, it also provides an excellent way to dispose of bacon grease. The proportions don't matter a whole lot, but basically, into melted bacon grease stir an equal amount of cornmeal and half that amount of peanut butter. (for example: 1 cup of bacon grease, 1 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 cup of peanut butter. But honestly, it doesn't much matter.) Add some bird treats like nuts and seeds and berries. Let the mixture firm up in the refrigerator or freezer, then serve.)
I hope the birds aren't peeking in the window as I'm reading this or they will be green with envy. I thought I was being nice to fill them up with black sunflower seeds and thistle yesterday. I do have some of those vintage Jell-O molds, so maybe I'll have to give this a try.
Your photos are great.
Posted by: Kim | February 14, 2011 at 07:37 AM
This is such a "tweet" idea, Barbara. I think there is just something about the shape of a heart that brings a smile to most any day. I'm so glad you've shared the recipe.
I mold butter in these, but now I'll be using a few for making the birds happy too.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted by: Lena | February 14, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Such a sweet idea, to share with such beautiful creatures for Valentine's Day. I'm gonna try that for our neighborhood birdies. Happy Valentine's Day!
Maureen
Posted by: Maureen | February 14, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Giving the birds a Valentine's Day gift is the best idea yet ! Good for you for being creative and kind.
Posted by: Lisa W. | February 14, 2011 at 06:40 PM
You made the chickadees happy! Those hearts are beyond cute!
Posted by: Janelle | February 14, 2011 at 07:22 PM
Wow, those are really great shots! I'd love to make these treats, but only microwaveable bacon is allowed in this house!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | February 14, 2011 at 08:35 PM
So, not that I don't love birds and all--but I've got those little jello molds, and have been wanting to find some cool recipe to make in them--you know, besides jello. Anybody got any ideas?--Yes, I also have Christmas tree molds too, which I have used for pistachio ice cream...
Posted by: Mary Kay Andrews | February 15, 2011 at 12:10 PM
I'm such a bird lover, but I'm reluctant to set out a feeder in my yard because of the overabundance of squirrels and a couple feral cats that would probably try to snatch the birdies. Anyway, your little hearts are adorable and I'm sure you are very popular in your neighborhood if you ask your feathered neighbors!
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | February 15, 2011 at 02:42 PM
love those sweet birdy prints in the snow!
Posted by: Kim G. | February 15, 2011 at 05:43 PM
Aww those are so cute! Thanks for providing a recipe too so we can all make our own bird treats!
Posted by: Lori @ My Vintage Whimsy | February 15, 2011 at 07:18 PM