Tsalagi Stew

5 lbs beef, stewing
3 lbs bacon or salt pork
1 hen (approx. 4 lb)
12 1/2 cups tomatoes, canned
7 1/2 cups corn kernels
7 1/2 cups green peas
2 pints oysters
4 onions, large
3 chile ancho
8 lbs potatoes
salt to taste
pepper to taste
cayenne pepper to taste  

The following are optional:

Rabbit

Game Birds

Squirrel

Put all meat and the chiles in a stew kettle in enough boiling water to cover, and cook for 2 to 2 and 1/2 hours.   Add potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, and cook for about half an hour before adding the corn and peas. The oysters should be added about 15 minutes before the stew is removed from the stove, and may be left out entirely. Total cooking time about four hours.