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Gardeners' World

How to...

make fat cakes for birds

Birds feeding on fat cakes

You will need:

  • Lard or suet bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Spoon
  • String or twine
  • Old yoghurt pots
  • Any of the following: wild bird seed, currants
  • sultanas, oats, bread and cake crumbs, grated cheese and peanuts.

Overview

Birds love fat cakes and at this time of year they are just what they need to give them energy and keep warm. But the feeding balls needn't be shop bought; you can use all sorts of kitchen scraps such as cheese and dry porridge oats. Just mix with melted lard or suet and set in the fridge overnight.

How to do it

  1. Mixing dry ingredients in a bowlThe best ratio for this recipe is one part fat to two parts dry mixture. Mix all your dry ingredients together in a bowl.

  2. Stirring ingredients in a panMelt some lard or suet in a pan and add the dry mix. Stir well until the fat has all been absorbed and the mixture sticks together.

  3. Spooning mixture into yoghurt pot.Make a hole in the bottom of a yoghurt pot and thread through a length of twine or string, then pack the pot with your warm fat mixture.

  4. Removing the fat cake from the yoghurt pot.Place in the fridge overnight to set, then cut through and peel away the pot. Tie a big knot at one end of the twine to secure the cake.

  5. Hanging up home-made fat cakeHang the cake in a tree or shrub and wait for the birds to come and feast.

Adam's Tip

Adam's Tip

"Kitchen scraps are great to use in the fat cakes but don't use anything too salty. Never use salted peanuts or very salty bacon."

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