Categories: Soups/stews 
      Yield: 6 servings 
  
      1 lb Smoked ham hocks; chopped 
           -or salted pig's tail 
      1 lb Stewing beef; cubed 
      2 c  Kidney beans, dried 
      4 qt Water 
      4 sm Potatoes; peeled and cubed 
    1/2 c  Coconut milk; optional 
      1    Onions; chopped 
      2    Green onions; chopped 
      1    Sprig fresh thyme 
      1    Hot pepper 
           Salt 
  
  Soak the pig's tail overnight in fresh water to cover. Then thoroughly 
  rinse the pig's tail (or ham hocks) in cold water. Combine in a large 
  heavy sauce- pan with the beef, dried kidney beans (if using canned 
  beans don't add at this time), and the water. Cover and cook over 
  medium heat for about 1 hour, until the meat and beans are tender. 
  Add the potatoes, coconut milk, and any other peeled root vegetables 
  or dumplings along with the onion, scallions, thyme and hot pepper. 
  (If using canned beans, add at this time.) Add salt to taste. Stir 
  the soup and allow to simmer for 1 hour. Remove the whole hot pepper 
  and thyme sprig before serving. Serve hot. This is even better served 
  the second day.