OLD FASHIONED BUTTER BEANS & HAM

Steps:

• Half fill a large saucepan with water and stir in the beans, ham hock, quartered onion, garlic and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered for 1 hour or until the beans are tender. Drain the beans, reserving all of the liquid and discarding the onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Transfer beans to a bowl and the ham hock to a cutting board. Cut the meat into small pieces (you should have about 1 cup). Discard the bones. In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute for 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in the ham and enough bean liquid to make the beans soupy (about 2 cups); bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in the beans, hot sauce, and salt and pepper to taste; heat for 3 minutes or until hot. Ladle into bowls (I like to add a couple of drops of catsup) and serve with warm fresh homemade bread and butter.