Anonymous Tue May 23 19:49:08 2006

8 slices bacon

2 3 lb. chickens -- cut up

1-1/2 pounds boneless beef -- cut in cubes

3 large onions -- chopped

3 ribs celery -- chopped

1 large green bell pepper -- chopped

vegetable oil -- if needed

1 large smoked ham hock -- skinned

4 large ripe tomatoes -- chopped

3 sprigs fresh parsley -- chopped

2 small red hot peppers -- minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme -- crumbled

1 teaspoon dried basil -- crumbled

salt and pepper to taste

8 cups beef or chicken stock

10 cups water

2-1/2 cups fresh/frozen corn kernels

2-1/2 cups fresh/frozen lima beans

2 cups fresh/frozen sliced okra

2-1/2 cups mashed boiled potatoes

In a large, heavy pot, fry the bacon over moderately high heat until crisp, then drain on paper

towels, crumble and set aside. Add the chicken pieces to the pot in batches, brown on all

sides over moderately high heat and transfer to a platter. Add the beef to the pot, brown on

all sides and transfer to the platter. Add the onions, celery and green pepper and stir until

softened, adding a little oil if there appears not be enough in the pot. Return the chicken

and beef to the pot, then add the ham hock, tomatoes, parsley, hot peppers, thyme, basil,

salt and pepper, stock and water and stir well. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat to

low, cover and simmer until the chicken is tender, about 1 hour, skimming the surface from

time to time. With a slotted spoon, remove the chicken and continue to simmer the stew 1

1/2 hours longer. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove and discard the skin

and bones, shred the meat and set aside. Add the corn, lima beans and okra to t

he pot, reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the ham hock with a

slotted spoon, pick the meat from the bone, shred and return to the pot. Add the reserved

crumbled bacon and shredded chicken and stir well. Add the mashed potatoes, stir well

and cook for another 15 minutes. Taste the stew, add salt and pepper to taste. Leftovers

can be frozen. Source: \