The past several weeks I have been missing my grandparents in a big, hole-in-my-heart way. My grandmothers in particular.
I was blessed with 4 sets of grandparents in my life due to divorce (it was a good thing from a bad thing!). Three set of grandparents took and active and loving role in my life when I was growing up, and my grandmothers were all awesome! I learned so much from each one of them – they were all so talented in their own rights – and I was given a priceless gift when they shared their knowledge with me. The wonderful connection between each of these beautiful women? They each loved to cook and made certain to spend time with me in their kitchens.
Two of my grandmothers were from the South (Oklahoma and Texas – living in Texas most of their lives). My other was from Ohio transplanted to California. Needless to say – good food was never lacking at any family event. So, to soothe this aching heart, I thought I would make some southern comfort food yesterday.
This is not a fancy recipe, there is no real magic trick to this dish – it all just goes in a slow cooker or pot and simmers until it is done. However, the results – the smell and the taste, not to mention the smell, sound and feel of snapping the beans – transport me back in time.
I hope that you will try this for a great, easy and inexpensive family meal…the leftovers are amazing!
Ham Hocks, Beans & New Potatoes
Ingredients
4-6 Ham hocks (you will find these packaged in the pork section of your grocery store’s meat area – if not, ask the butcher, they will have them)
Fresh Green Beans, rinsed and ends snapped off (the amount will be up to you. For the Rocket Scientist and I to have dinner and a few servings of leftovers I used 3 large handfuls of beans)
10-15 Small Red/New Potatoes (you can leave them whole or slice them in half
1 cup chicken stock or broth