Special thanks to Stephanie L. Ogle, host of African American Culture here at BellaOnline for sharing her holiday recipe with us. Collard greens are good as a side dish or served with baked macaroni and candied yams or sweet potatoes.

4 bunches fresh collard greens, cleaned

5 slices of bacon (maple flavored)

1 smoked ham hock

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

4-6 cloves garlic, minced

sugar (optional), salt and pepper to taste
water

This can be done on a stove top but I do this in my crock pot!

First, makes sure that the greens are thoroughly cleaned & rinsed (I fill the sink up with warm water and add a drop or two of dishwashing soap!).

Remove the leaves from the thick stock (that runs in the middle).

Combine the greens and the above ingredients into crock pot or a large stock pot (if cooking on stove). I “layer” my ingredients so that the flavors mix. If putting in a crock pot, make sure you have plenty of water so the greens don't stick to the pot. (I set my crock pot on low. Greens will cook down to perfection in about 3 1/2 to 4 hours). If cooking on a stove top, reduce heat after about ½ hour and let simmer for about 2-3 hours or until well cooked and most of the water is cooked away.

Recipe from BellaOnline's African American Culture. BellaOnline's African American Culture

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Some people like to sprinkle a little pepper vinegar on their greens.