HAM, GREEN BEANS & POTATOES

There is nothing like the taste of fresh green beans, especially in the summer! WELL 💚 It’s SUMMER and I am in luck! I visited a local Fruit and Veggie Stand and bought some Fresh Green Beans, Candy Onions and Potatoes. I TOLD Myself I’m only going to make a small batch – HAHAHA – That is the BIGGEST LIE I tell myself when I’m cooking – I DO NOT know how to make a small amount!!!! I swear in my former life I was a Cook in the Army! 🤣🤣

Of course, I made My Grandma’s Cornbread Recipe to accompany this delightful meal!

3-4 lbs. of Smoked Ham, diced
1 Ham Hock
1-lb. Pkg. of Bacon, sliced into 2” pieces
3 lbs. Fresh Green Beans, Rinsed and Stems Removed
8-10 Red Potatoes, Washed and Quartered (Amt. depends on size)
1 Onion, diced
2-3 Stalks Celery, diced
8 C. Water
1 – 2T. Ham Base (See NOTE)
Pepper to taste

In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, fry bacon until crisp – do not drain. Add the diced ham, ham hock, green beans, onion, celery, potatoes, water, ham base and sprinkle with pepper to taste. Using the ham, bacon and ham base you should not need any salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer on low for about an hour or until the potatoes and green beans are tender. Be careful not to overcook because you don’t want them to be mushy.

NOTE ON HAM BASE – Ham base is a rich brown paste base made with the cured ham, natural juices and flavors. Prepared, this base has the delicate smoky flavor and aroma of ham stock – bases tend to be a little salty. I tend to like salt. 😏 Use base to your discretion. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. This will be a taste thing!

Recipe By: Kim Wallace 💚 Smile & Enjoy 💚

MY LEFTOVERS 🤣🤣🤣