A Perfectly Peachy Pig

Suet is a major attraction at the bird feeders here. I've made my own for a long while. This recipe was in my local paper, recommended to attract bluebirds. I see a rare bluebird, but other birds seem to love it at least as much.

Winter Pudding Recipe (for birds)

2 quarts water

1 cup margarine

4 cups grits (not instant)

1 cup peanut butter

Raisins and peanut hearts are optional

In a large saucepan, bring water and margarine to a boil. Slowly add grits, stirring and cooking until mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat and add peanut butter, raisins, etc. Mix together well, then place in feeders. Freeze the remainder.

It's a bit soft at first, so I put it in a deep cookie sheet, and put in freezer or fridge until stiff. Then cut it in thirds longways, and fourths the other way, ending up with a dozen pieces. As I've been known to say, use what you've got. Various nut butters work well, including almond and cashew butter, and tahini. I use vegi shortening instead of margarine. I think any fat would work. Substitutions I've made to the raisins include dried rose hips and poke berries, dried pineapple, and apricots. This winter, I've been snipping up tomatoes I dehydrated a couple of summers ago. I use whatever needs to be used up most.

J and I worked on some metal art over the weekend. One was a pig sculpture. I painted the spots. J fabricated it, and did the remainder of the painting.