I finally got to fixing the stew for Bible Study. I backed off on the spices a little, since there was a variety of tastes to consider. I set the condiments on the table, so people could adjust the taste to suit themselves. I also made two cornbreads to go with the stew, and there was less than 1/4 of one left. The nine of us left enough stew to fill four quart bags, and two of those went home with some of the members. Dessert was a banana pudding. Some of the best cooks in the church attend this Bible Study, so I saw it as a compliment that they took the stew home.
I have spent several days in New York attending a wedding. Fixing this stew and some Mississippi style cornbread cleansed my soul of that Yankee exposure. Thanks for posting this recipe.