How to Render Suet

Suet is a dense fat found in beef. It is an energy source for many varieties of birds - especially woodpeckers, titmice, chickadees and nuthatches.

Things You'll Need

  • Cornmeal
  • Peanut Butter
  • Shelled Nuts
  • Shelled Sunflower Seeds
  • Electric Skillets
  • 1 lb. raw suet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a pound of raw suet from your grocer or butcher.

    • 2

      Cut suet into 1-inch pieces.

    • 3

      Put suet into pan and turn heat on low. Use an electric skillet, a sturdy pan in your oven or a large skillet on your stovetop.

    • 4

      Pour fat, as suet melts, into another heat-proof container.

    • 5

      Discard leftover chunks, when all suet has been rendered.

    • 6

      Add 3 c. (combined) cornmeal, peanut butter, raisins, and shelled nuts or bread crumbs before fat becomes solid.

    • 7

      Pack suet mixture in smaller containers such as empty tuna cans, empty milk cartons or empty coffee cans. Or put entire suet mix in bowl or pan.

    • 8

      Put containers in refrigerator to harden and keep fresh.

    • 9

      Put suet "cakes" into suet feeders, pack suet mix into empty holes in logs or trees or put suet in netted bags and suspend from a tree.