Dr. Sephronius Potsdam's Wondrous Gravy Strengthener

"Dr." Sephronius Potsdam (presumably a pseudonym) was a medicine show pitchman, peddler, and general charlatan, operating in the Deep South around the turn of the last century. The following recipe reproduces one of his more successful products, a condiment guaranteed to add flavor and zip to soups, stews, and any gravy. An examination of the ingredients suggests time spent in Louisville, Ky and eastern North Carolina. It makes an excellent barbecue sauce or general condiment.

A pint or so of tomato ketchup (rather than walnut or mushroom) blended with a pint of spirit vinegar, three gills of worcester sauce, the same quantity of chili sauce, a bottle of chop sauce (HP is recommended) and a bottle of tobasco sauce. Mix well together and bottle.

Chicken Stew

A quantity of boneless chicken breasts, cubed. Heat a couple of spoons of oil in a stew pot. Add chicken pieces. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over two or three large spoons of flour. Stir together to coat the chicken. Drop a cold stick of butter cut into tablespoons over the surface of the cooking chicken. When butter melts, stir chicken. Continue to cook until chicken is cooked and the flour begins to brown. Add a pint or so each of broth and milk. Let simmer over a low flame for an hour or so till thick and creamy. Flavor with hot sauce or hot pepper relish. Serve with bread for sopping.