For all the bird owners out there, I would like to recommend a wonderful book called Gourmet Bird Food Recipes. I purchased this book in 2005 when it was first published and have been using the recipes in it ever since. My cockatiel, Piper, pictued below, particularly loves the Flight-Worthy Muffins, and I thought I would share this recipe with you.
Flight-Worthy Muffins
5 T. oatmeal
1 c. flour (I use half white and half whole wheat.)
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. raisins (I don’t put these in because Piper is not a raisin fan, and they just get left uneaten. I sometimes add a little baby food squash, carrots, or sweet potato instead. He seems to like that.)
2 eggs
3 T. honey
2 T. oil
1 c. plain low-fat yogurt
Heat oven to 350. In a large bowl, mix together dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix together the wet ingredients and add to the dry, stirring until just moistened. Spray muffin pan with non-stick spray and fill 2/3 full. Bake about 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (I usually bake mine for about 13 minutes.) I freeze these muffins and take out one as needed.
I would love to hear from other bird owners who make special recipes for their feathered companions. And, if you make this recipe, I hope your bird enjoys it as much as Piper does!