INGREDIENTS

1. 1cupbutter
2. 1 1/2cups choppedonions
3. 2lbssmoked ham hock
4. 2 1/2lbsfresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
5. 2tablespoonsfresh ground pepper(I use less)
6. 6cupswater
7. salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Melt 1 stick of butter in a heavy 3 quart pan.
2. Add onions and cook over low heat for a few minutes but not let the onions get brown.
3. Except for the remaining stick of butter and salt add all of the remaining ingredients to the onions.
4. Partially cover and bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes.
5. Then lower the heat and cover completley.
6. Simmer at least 15 minutes or until green beans are cooked to the tenderness you like.
7. Drain off the liquid and remove ham hock.
8. Take the skin off the ham hock and cut meat from the bone.
9. Return the meat to the beans.
10. Add salt and the remaining butter an toss until butter is melted and green beans are coated.