C. T. Suddeth

The 3 sisters are corn, beans, and squash—grown together in one field.

6 cups water, 16 oz can hominy, 16 oz. can pinto beans, small chopped onion, 6 oz canned pumpkin (or fresh), 6 strips cooked bacon, TBSP bacon grease, 5 sage or sassafras leaves, ½ TSP red pepper. Boil mixture for 10 minutes. Add pumpkin and spices, simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with johnnycake.

The Cherokees in my novel Stone Man and the Trail of Tears enjoyed this recipe.