Greens

[Miss Phode]

Does anyone have a recipe for Greens (collards)? I'm in the mood for southern hospitality :yes

[MotherOfGizmo]

Collard greens (whole collard heads or leaves)
2 ham hocks
Water
Salt to taste
Toppings (suggestions follow)

Wash greens thoroughly, approximately 3 or 4 times to ensure they are clean and free of insects. Remove large stems.

Place ham hocks in an extra-large pot with enough water to completely cover them. Add salt and cook ham hocks at least 30 minutes before adding collards greens. Add collards, big leaves first (let them start boiling), then add remainder of greens. Cook 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring once about midway to ensure thorough cooking. Test for tenderness of stems at 45 minutes by piercing with a sharp knife. Cook additional time if necessary.

Remove from heat and drain in a colander, reserving the juice (pot likker). Chop collards with a collard chopper or a knife, leaving no large leaves or pieces. Add some of the pot likker if the greens are too dry.Salt to taste. Serve hot or at room temperature with your choice of toppings.

Toppings:
Hot pepper vinegar
Onions and vinegar (chopped onions and vinegar mixed together)
Salsa
Small whole tomatoes

http://whatscookingamerica.net/Vegetables/CollardGreens.htm

[Miss Phode]

Thanks MOG. Have you made these?

[MotherOfGizmo]

Thanks MOG. Have you made these?

I'm too lazy and since I live in the south and have lots of good old southern ladies for friends, I just wait til they make a batch because they always share! But that recipe comes from someone in Raleigh so it should be good! :yes

[not2late]

The long cooking time makes them soooo yummy. But if you're pressed for time, like me, you can do them this way. Remove the tough stems. Steam the whole leaves until tender. Rinse under cold water. At this point, you can stick them in the frig, until you need to use them.

When you are ready to cook them, chop the leaves coarsely. In a frying pan, add some oil and sliced garlic and few red pepper flakes if you like a little spicyness. Then add the steammed, chopped greens. Cook until it's all heated through. It's even better if you fry some bacon and use the bacon fat to cook the greens in.

[sexywannabe]

Hey mother of gizmo! I never knew you were from Raleigh. I'm from Greensboro NC which is about a hour or so from Raleigh.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Hey mother of gizmo! I never knew you were from Raleigh. I'm from Greensboro NC which is about a hour or so from Raleigh.

Yep! :yes We're practically neighbors! :joy

[Paneenjerez]

Re: Greens

Ooh, I'm from Graham so I'm right in between y'all!