Winter Suet

by Betty Osburn
(P.O. Box 292, Tappahannock, Virginia)

Start by melting one pound of lard with two cups crunch peanut butter. While that is melting, mix together in another larger bowl one cup of oats, one cup cracked corn, a handful of raisins, a handful of dried cranberries and one cup of mixed bird seed.

I like to add some small, unsalted peanuts and one cup of cornmeal. Now that your lard and peanut butter is melted add your dry ingredients. If it seems too goopy let it sit for a minute, and if still goopy add more seed then add more oats and seed.

It should be the consistency that its almost hard to stir. Use a melon baller to form ball and put on a cookie sheet, then refrigerate until firm. You can put them on a plate or in a suet holder. You can make it any shape you want or size you want.

I have a log that I have drilled ½-inch holes in that I can jam the suet in, then hang the log from a tree. Downy's and nuthatches love it.