Collard Greens

 

2 to 3 Large bunches of collards

3 smoked ham hocks

Salt to taste

Pepper (optional)

Sugar or Accent (optional) *

Put your 3 ham hocks in a large pot and fill pot half way with water. Cook ham hocks for about 1 hour or until the meat starts to fall off the bone. In the meantime, wash and clean your collards; you will need to wash them several times and look them over carefully. Once you have them free of grit and any insects, pull the leaf away from the steam, throwing the stem part away; cut the greens up into smaller pieces.

Add greens to pot with the ham hocks. Cover and cook on medium heat until tender; about 45 minutes to an hour Add salt, (pepper and/or sugar) while cooking; stir from time to time.

* Some people add a couple teaspoons of sugar or a little Accent if the greens are bitter.