Southern-Style Collard Greens

Crispy bacon, sautéed onion, ham, and garlic perfect these collard greens, making them an essential part of your traditional Southern feast.

Ingredients:

• 12 hickory-smoked bacon slices, finely chopped
• 2 medium-size sweet onions, finely chopped
• 3/4 pound smoked ham, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 3 (32-oz.) containers chicken broth
• 3 (1-lb.) packages fresh collard greens, washed and trimmed
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Cook bacon in a 10-qt. stockpot over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes or until almost crisp. Add onion, and sauté 8 minutes; add ham and garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth and remaining ingredients. Cook 2 hours or to desired degree of tenderness.

Southern Living NOVEMBER 2009