Pahnters Stew

Knowing a secret will get you far, but keeping that secret will keep you going for a very long time.  Take the Pahnters, they know more about paint than anyone.  Some people even claim that they invented it, a fact supported by the two names.  Many people believe that if they didn’t know as much about paint as they do, they would have been locked up long ago.  If you have seen a mansion that was painted well, but in a ghastly color, odds are that the lord drove the Pahnters away, so he would not have to pay them.  They must place an enchantment on the paint (that they remove after they are paid) for you will never find them cursing a place.

The Panters are not a race unto themselves as many people think.  Most of them were estranged, for one reason or another, from an earlier life.  Each group does have a core family that keeps the secret of the paint and other hidden knowledge.  It’s a good life for people who are eager to forget, start a new life, or just roam around seeing the countryside.  The wildly painted wagons are constantly on the move, only coming to a rest when the Pahnters have work. 

Many towns and cities have laws limiting how long they may stop due to slight increases in the crime rate while they are there.  The crimes are not always committed by the Pahnters, some are done by citizens that hope the Pahnters will be blamed. While it is true some criminals find their way among them, they do not tolerate severe criminal activity.  Another problem when Pahnters stay near by is the number of broken marriages and runaways (often labeled as kidnappings) they seem to cause.

I myself joined them for a few years when I decided army life was not for me, well before my tour of duty should have ended.  I changed my name and lived with them, seeing much of the country and learning many things while I traveled among them.  They kept the mixing of paints to themselves, but did show me how to use them both on houses and canvas.  I also learned how to make a stew that was hearty and good no matter what meat or vegetables were at hand.

2 Tablespoons oil
1 Cup flour
1 Tablespoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon salt
½ Teaspoon ground thyme
1 Pound 1inch beef cubes (or other meat)
1 ½ Cups cubed potatoes
1 ½ Cups cubed carrots
1 Cup cubed onion
Water – follow directions below
Optional choose one or two:
1 Cup quartered mushrooms
1 Cup green beans
1 Cup peas

- Combined the flour, salt, garlic, thyme, and black pepper in a bowl and mix thoroughly
- Flour the beef (or other meat) heavily
- Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet (13 to 17 inch) then add floured beef and brown, do not let it burn.
- If you prefer a thicker stew add the rest of the flour into the pan and brown that as well, (more oil may be required)
- Add about 2 cups water, then onions and stir for about a minute
- Add the rest of the vegetables and stir
- Add more water, enough to cover everything, stir and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to mid low and let simmer until potatoes and carrots are soft.
- Serve with freshly baked rolls if they are available or hard tack if you’re out in the woods.

From the book 'Musings of economic unfairness' By Ratt World Famous Thief

Visit the home of Talona The Red http://www.freepiratesforhire.com

January 5, 2012: The Epub version of my book is now onsale, also in celebration discounted the price of the paperback for a limited time.

December 8, 2011: My first novel is available for sale on Lulu, also uploaded the 3 recipe stories I edited.

October 3, 2011: Due to the impending publication of my first novel, I will be taking some time off from book 2 to edit all of the stories on here. No dates will be changed unless a significant rewrite occurs and then it will be marked: new date (old date).