Countdown to Christmas - Day 9 (Make Pinecone-Birdseed Treats)

Making Pinecone-Birdseed Treats
Originally uploaded by Pictures by Ann

As we move closer to Christmas, we continue to do at least one special activity per day. Today, we talked about our responsibility to care for animals - including the pets we have as well as the wildlife that visits us. Then, the girls and I made edible gifts for the birds and squirrels.

As we were filling the bird feeders today, we looked at the cranberry and popcorn strings that the girls made and hung on several trees around Thanksgiving. We noticed that the birds and squirrels like popcorn, but they don't like cranberries.

While I was making lunch, I had the girls go out and get some pinecones from the trees. After lunch, they put peanut butter on the cones and then rolled them in birdseed. I put yarn around the cones so we can hang them from the trees.

Olivia also wants to make a string of peanuts for the squirrels. I need to go to the grocery store to get some peanuts.

This weekend, I'll make a big batch of Amish bird suet. I cut it into squares and then put it in red mesh bags (the kind that onions come in). This suet recipe is one that the birds enjoy, and it attracts a wide variety of birds which is fun to watch.

Today we also made no-cook Oreo bonbons. Simply crush a bag of Oreo cookies in the blender (or Vita-Mix mixer). Put in a bowl with softened cream cheese. Mix these together until well blended. Roll the Oreo-cream cheese mixture into 1/2" round balls.

Sophia rolling the bonbons in melted white chocolate.

Dip in melted white or dark chocolate.  After the chocolate hardens, I put them in the refrigerator since they have cream cheese in them.

Olivia holding the Oreo bonbons she made.

We also tried another new recipe for chocolate sugar cookies that are shaped like pretzels.

The girls are dipping the cooled cookies in frosting.  After this, they put green, red, and white sprinkles on the cookies.

The girls enjoyed an afternoon baking and making treats in the kitchen.

Chocolate sugar cookies the girls made.