Originally Posted by Jo Belmont

I think some of the spices I use might lend that "earthy" flavor you spoke of. I know that my kiddos (all now adults) still think I make the best beans, lentils, etc., so I'll tell you the mainstay.

I start out with a broth created from cooking smoked ham hocks. I let them simmer a good long while until I can pick the good meat out of them and place the small bits back into the broth and discard the bones, rind, etc. As the ham hocks are cooking, I add a lot of chopped onion, some garlic, salt and pepper. Then I add a bay leaf or two, some chopped or diced carrots and the presoaked beans, lentils, etc. Lastly, I add some chopped celery. That's the base. Sometimes I enhance with small speatzle (sp) dumplings to the lentil soup, and even some bits of pasta, barley, etc., for other combos. Of course, there's always the occasional add of parsley and/or chopped spinach.

As to the cornbread, my family much prefers the type cooked with canned chopped green chilies, canned cream-style corn, and a healthy add of shredded cheddar cheese. Let it sit for a few minutes in the baking pan before placing it in the oven to get a nice, crisp top.

Hope this is close to what you're describing, and now my appetite is whetted so I think I'll make up a mess of this and call the kids.