by Maxine Williams Bahr | Nov 21, 2018 | Blog
Ask a Southerner whose memory goes back far enough about crackling bread crumbled up in buttermilk – and watch his eyes light up! This is a tried and true recipe…
2 Cups Cornmeal
1 Tsp Baking Powder
½ Tsp Salt
2/3 Cup Cracklings
Sift into a bowl cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Pour into this enough boiling water to make a stiff batter. Add cracklings. Mold into oval shapes (pones) and bake in a hot (425 degree) oven, until light brown. Serve with tall glasses of very cold buttermilk, and be sure the hot crackling bread is to be broken into the milk and eaten with teaspoons.
by Maxine Williams Bahr | Nov 2, 2018 | Blog
Some species that have disappeared from our area over the past two centuries are finding their way back again, that to restoration efforts of park rangers and wildlife lovers. While the reintroduction of elk has claimed most of the attention here’s a look at others that have made a final stand in the forest.
River Otters – Since the arrival of European settlers in the area, the river otter were sought by trappers for the fur trade. The animals that were once common all over were eventually trapped and hunted to extinction in the area. Reintroduction efforts began in 1986 with more than 100 otters released over a decade.
Peregrine Falcons – Peregrine falcons, known for their lightening speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and deadly talons, disappeared from these mountains and nearly from the face of North America – do the exposure to the harmful pesticide DDT before it was banned. As part of a captive breeding and recovery program, more than 6,000 were released nationwide, including many in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park during the 80’s and 90’s.
Red Wolves – Only one of the reintroduction programs has failed, that of the endangered Red Wolf. Red Wolves were close to extinction in the late 1970s with none left in the wild and only 30 in a captive breeding program. Several pairs were released in the Smokies in the early 1990s. Pup survival rate was poor, however and adults had trouble finding enough to eat given competition from coyotes. After eight years, the park decided it could not support a wolf population and removed the few that were left.
by Maxine Williams Bahr | Oct 25, 2018 | Blog
Sport has always been a bright thread woven into the fabric of the mountain folkways. The area’s steep ridges and deep hollows were cherished bear hunting territory. Small game, most notably squirrels, grouse and wild turkeys was also plentiful and avidly pursued, especially in those halcyon days before the demise of that mighty monarch of mountain forests, the American chestnut.
Similarly, streams coursing through these hills – like so many laughter lines on an old man’s face – were prime destinations for trout fishermen and in their lower reaches, they provided angling variety in the form of smallmouth and redeye bass.
Hunting and fishing held pride of place among all masculine recreational pursuits for mountain folk, but their importance extended well beyond providing an ample measure of simples pleasure and release from the grinding work and considerable hardship associated with hardscrabble way of life. Game and fish meant sustenance, and many a mountain table was regularly graced by nature’s rich, tasty bounty.
by Maxine Williams Bahr | Aug 31, 2018 | Blog
Labor Day was originally intended honor the strength of our country’s labor force. Today, it is seen as a day off from work and school 
accompanied by a cookout. Travel experts are predicting that over 34 million people will take a trip of 50 miles or more. Traditionally it is considered the end of summer, many of us have something planned for the holiday weekend. Just in case you haven’t made plans, here are some ideas.
- A Stroll In The Woods. With travel estimates reaching new highs, it may be wise to have a quiet, and relaxing, weekend at home. A family hike is a great way to reconnect with your loved ones, and if you want to cap off the day with a BBQ, the extra activity will keep you from feeling too guilty.
- Take In A Festival Or Parade. Due to Labor Day’s history, there’s almost always a community event happening over the course of the weekend. Whether it’s a parade, a fair or a festival, check out your local newspapers to see what’s happening around you.
- Camp In The Backyard. If you, or your little ones, aren’t quite ready to spend an entire night in the woods, backyard camping is a great compromise! You can pitch a tent, tell ghost stories and even make s’mores. The best part? You can always go back in the house if there’s an emergency.
- Movie-Marathon. For a rainy Labor Day, a movie day may be the way to go. Whether you want to go to a theater or pile blankets and pillows on the living room floor, a movie marathon is a great way to keep yourself entertained when the weather isn’t cooperating.
- Light Up The Grill. Sometimes, tradition is best. A cookout with family and friends is a great way to end the summer in style. Cut down on your own work by asking everyone to contribute a dish.
by Maxine Williams Bahr | Aug 20, 2018 | Blog
In the football world, tail-gating is an important component. Whether you are a college or professional football fan, tail-gating is about food and drinks as much as it is about traditions and superstition. When planning a tail-gate party the last thing you want to appear to be is a rookie! Though you won’t be able to win one for the team, you’ll be a winner in the parking lot with some of these ideas.
- Early Birds Get The Worm. An early start is required for normal tail gating. The parking lot can fill up quickly and you will need to be there early enough to get the perfect spot. You will want to give yourself plenty of time to set up, co
- ok and enjoy yourself and with games starting as early as 12:00 or 1:00, you need to get going early.
- Not A Time To Try Something New. Stick with your tried and true recipes when it comes to your tail gating food. This is not the time to see if you can make a soufflé on your grill when you should be having fun with friends and family. Make the classics, the ones everyone loves and that you can prepare quickly.
- Politeness Counts. Don’t take up multiple parking spots. Don’t play your music too loud. Don’t throw your garbage on the ground. Don’t be completely outrageous. Basically, use common sense and don’t be uncivilized.
- Ask For Help. You definitely don’t want to be stuck doing everything on game day, so pow wow with your
group in advance to break up who’s doing what. Have one person be in charge of the grill while someone else handles games and activities. It will make it less stressful for everyone.
- Stay Calm. Something is going to go wrong. It’s bound to happen. Your grill will break down, your potato salad won’t taste right, someone will drink too much. It’s okay. Breathe. Don’t let the situation ruin your day. Try and prepare for some of these things in advance by bringing backups for the major necessities.
Do you plan to tail-gate this football season?
