Don't Try This at Home!

But, if you're a hiker, there are some great trails around to explore. South Mountains State Park comes to mind. Now that the drought has abated, the waterfalls should be spectacular. Check out their website: www.ncparks.gov/visit/parks/somo/main.php. It's a 20 minute drive from the inn. Also, don't miss Redbone Willy's Trading Company on the way. You might need some supplies, i.e. water, walking sticks......but the clothing is what I go for. It's a destination in-and-of itself!

Catawba County has some awesome parks with miles of hiking trails. Only a 10 minute drive from here, Baker's Mountain can be a little on the rigorous side but also offers a more relaxing walk to the peak that overlooks the metropolis of Hickory. You choose. www.catawbacountync.gov/depts/parks/bakmain.asp.

Riverbend Park is a new addition to the Catawba County Parks system. It features trails along the Catawba River. Fishing and wildlife abound! www.catawbacountync.gov/depts/parks/rbndmain.asp

And you wonder where this photo came from? It was an accident. While shooting pictures of Mayfest in downtown Newton, I captured this on film. I just had to find a way to use it!

This is an excerpt from my cookbook, The Family Petree Cookbook, Stories of Food and Fun Spanning 50 years.





It might've been one of Dad's last hunting expeditions. We were living in Newton then. When Daddy got home, he took his bucket of birds to the back porch and left them there - out in the open for any person, animal or thing to discover. Well our cat, Kitty Puss, found those birds before they even had a chance to get cold. Within minutes of his discovery, bird feathers littered our yard, and carcasses were strewn everywhere. We were horrified! Maybe that's why we haven't had Braised Partridge lately.





Braised Quail

6 small quail

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup chicken stock or wine

1/4 cup flour

Salt

Pepper

In a large skillet, melt butter and add the birds. Saute until lightly browned. Remove the birds from the pan. Add the flour and stir until blended. Add chicken stock. Cook and stir until smooth. Add the birds back to the pan. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes.


Serves 3


The following recipe pares nicely with the Quail and gravy

Baked Rice

1 cup rice

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

1 can beef consomme

1 can french onion soup

Combine all ingredients in a baking dish. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes at 350.