I have recently noticed that the stews I am making are not registering as new stew recipies. I have kept track and have prepared 39 different stews, and it's only giving me credit for 17. Is there a reason why?

Only the good stews are counted in the stats.

Actually, only new stews are counted in the stats. Bad ones do count, if the stew puzzle has already been solved.

But, even if the stew is a new combination, if it has the same description and special effects (sparkles, rainbow, plain, etc.) it doesn't count as a new stew.

I should make sure that I've had coffee before I answer. Only a good stew will solve the stew puzzle, but a new "bad" stew will count in the stats.

The coffee thing happens to everyone. I've done it.
Most of the stew books have the effects in them. Did you see these yet? They are a post in the guides section.

Yes, I've seen the stew books - I collected and posted them.

how many "main" stews are there?