Stewed Rabbit

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 small rabbit, cut into serving pieces (about 2 1/2 pounds, dressed)
• 1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups sliced onions
• 3 cups sliced assorted wild mushrooms, such as shiitakes, oysters, and chanterelles
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 3 ounces tasso, finely chopped
• 1 cup port wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 recipe Black Pepper Drop Biscuits, recipe follows
• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 cupall-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon solid vegetable shortening
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper