“A stew is a combination of solid food ingredients that have been cooked in water or other water-based liquid, typically by simmering, and that are then served without being drained.”  Wikipedia.org

When was the last time you made some homemade soup or stew?

Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished.  (Genesis 25:29; NIV)

Having been raised in the north, I had never heard of Brunswick stew.  After living in Virginia for a few years, I began making some of the rather “typical” southern dishes such as collard greens, grits, biscuits and gravy, and Brunswick stew….all made with some variance from the traditional recipes, I might add. 

Brunswick stew is one of those hearty, stick to your ribs kinds of soup.  After tasting it and then making it, I could never understand why such a wonderful stew recipe never made it up past the Mason-Dixon line.  Here’s a little history I’ve unearthed from About.com.

Brunswick stew was named for Brunswick County, Virginia, where in 1828, Dr. Creed Haskins of the Virginia state legislature asked for a special squirrel stew from “Uncle Jimmy” Matthews to feed people attending a political rally.  However, Brunswick, Georgia residents claim their stew is the original.  Although it seems the original stew was made with game, Brunswick stew is now most commonly made with chicken, or a combination of several meats, which might include rabbit, beef, and pork. Onions, corn, tomatoes and potatoes are usually included, and many recipes call for Lima beans, peas, and okra.

Now many of you know that I am NOT an advocate of white potatoes.  I no longer buy them or serve them at our table.  This is the ONE time that I will purchase organic white potatoes, as there really isn’t any other acceptable substitute.  And the protein in the chicken helps to offset the high carbohydrate content of the potatoes.  So, enjoy a bowl of this colorful and flavorful stew.

Prayer Power
Lord thank You for Your love and care for us. Thank You that You desire for us to walk in divine health.

Link of the Day
Brunswick Stew

Blessings on you as you enjoy preparing more food at home.