Mamas Collards Food

MEMAW'S COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Thoroughly wash greens in a sinkful of cold water.
• Break stems off an inch or two below leaf and discard.
• Tear/shred the leaves by hand and place them in a large cooking pot.
• Add bacon, 1/4 cup of sugar, and about 2 tablespoons of salt.
• Fill pot with water up to about 1 1/2 inches from top of pot.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally (water will cook off, so add more if necessary).
• After 2 hours, add more sugar (not more than 1/4 cup; I usually add slightly less) and more salt to taste.
• Fill the pot back to about half-full with water.
• Cover, boil, reduce heat, simmer, and stir occasionally for another 1 1/2-2 hours (if more water is needed, add only enough to keep about three fingers worth in the pot).
• Serve with a slotted spoon to drain away water and eat'em up (some folks eat'em with tabasco or pepper sauce).
• These are great as a side dish with fried chicken, country ham, meatloaf, turkey, roast, or as a companion to a big bowl of beans.
• I usually enjoy the leftovers with nothing but a pan of cornbread.

MAMA'S SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in large boiler or stock pot.
• Cover and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes.
• Taste and adjust seasonings.

MOMMA'S HOMEGROWN COLLARDS

Steps:

• Cut the collards into 1- to 2-inch pieces, wash them in warm to hot water at least 2 or 3 times, then leave them in warm water until needed. Place all the meat in a large pot, 2/3 filled with water, cover then boil 20 to 30 minutes.
• Drain the water and refill the pot; then cover and boil the meat again for about 1 hour.
• Drain the collards; add them to the cooked meat and stock, along with the onion, and salt and pepper, to taste. Cook the whole potful for another 30 to 45 minutes. Some people like greens cooked less, so they're chewy. The longer you cook them, the more tender they get. Serve alone, over rice, grits or potatoes, or as a side dish.

BIG MAMA'S COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Boil turkey pieces in chicken broth for 15-20 min. to soften turkey meat. Add onions, vinegar, salt and pepper, and sugar. Boil for another 5 minutes.
• Add cleaned and cut collard greens and 2 cups of water. Lower heat to low/medium and cook for about 2 hours or until greens are very dark colored.