How to Make a Braided Bird Wreath

Make a braided bird wreath from bread dough, peanut butter and bird seeds, and your backyard birds will have something to fill their tummies during a long winter. You can enjoy watching the birds as they enjoy the special treat you've provided for them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 lb. package of frozen bread dough
• Creamy peanut butter
• Bird seed
• Vegetable oil
• Wire hanger

1. Allow the bread dough to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Oil a baking sheet and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the thawed bread dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rope about 30 inches long.
3. Cut the dough into three equal lengths with a sharp knife. Put the lengths side by side and braid them.
4. Put the braid on the oiled baking sheet and bring the edges together to make a circle. Pinch the edges together to seal them.
5. Cover the braid with a clean towel and set it aside to rise until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
6. Bake the bread dough braid for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it turns brown. Remove it from the baking sheet and allow it to cool.
7. Spread a generous coating of peanut butter on the bread wreath. Put some bird seed in a shallow dish or pie plate and dip the braid into the bird seed. Attach a wire hanger and hang the braided bird wreath outside.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to make a larger bird seed wreath, use a package of frozen bread dough that contains three, 1-lb. loaves. Roll each thawed loaf into a rope and braid the three together. Proceed as directed above.