Green Beans and Potatoes

[alexcat.livejournal.com]

I am not crazy about green beans but I really liked this one.

GREEN BEANS AND POTATOES

2 pounds fresh, frozen or canned green beans (If fresh, remove ends and break into pieces and wash the beans)
6 or 7 red potatoes, cut in pieces (I have made this using any kind of potatoes)
1 to 2 cups chicken broth or 1 (14.5 ounce) can (You don’t have to use the chicken broth. I just think it makes them better)
1 ham hock (Can use cooked ham, bacon, pork jowl or salt pork about a half cup, chopped)
2 to 3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup finely diced onion (Optional)
1 teaspoon minced garlic (Optional)
Combine all ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil, then turn to medium low and cook about 1 1/2 hours until potatoes are done and water has cooked down. You can also do this in the crockpot and let cook on low 6 to 7 hours or high 4 hours.
Note: You can add a couple teaspoons bacon drippings if you are just using ham. This will add flavor to the beans.
Makes 8 to 10 servings. Enjoy!