Popcorn Balls for Birds

12 Cups popped popcorn
1 Cup light corn syrup
½ Cup granulated white sugar
1 package of plain Jell-o
1 ½ to 2 Cups wild bird seed
Waxed paper
Vegetable oil or non-stick spray (for your hands)

1. Pop the popcorn and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, bring the syrup and sugar to a boil. Remove from heat.
3. Add the gelatin to the syrup/sugar mixture. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved.
4. Add birdseed and stir until the seeds are well blended.
5. Combine the syrup/birdseed mixture with the popcorn. With a large spoon or spatula, turn the popcorn mixture out onto waxed paper and allow the recipe to cool enough to handle in your hands.
6. Apply vegetable oil to your hands. (Non-stick spray works, too.)
7. Form balls with your hands; about the size of a tennis ball.
8. Tie or wire the popcorn balls to a tree branch and watch the birds enjoy this flavorful treat!

• Recipe option: Add shelled, unsalted peanuts or finely chopped dried fruit to the mixture. (Apricots, oranges, apples, berries)
• Anchor the popcorn balls onto a natural wreath form (straw, grapevine or an evergreen wreath after the winter holidays). Hang the wreath on a fence or on a tree.
• Is this project too messy? Using a child's craft needle (made of plastic with a large eye) string the popped popcorn on heavy-duty thread along with bits of chopped apple. Drape the popcorn "necklace/garland? over a shrub near a window and enjoy your feathered friends as they dine.