Soul Food Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

4 bunches fresh collard greens, cleaned and steamed 5 slices of bacon 1 smoked ham hock 2 med. onions, chopped 4-6 cloves garlic, minced 1 bunch of green onions (optional) salt and pepper to taste 7 cups of water

Serves 8-10 If the collard green leaves are large, cut in half after lightly steaming. Cook the bacon in a large stock pot, rendering as much fat as possible. Add water to the pot and bring to a boil. Add the ham hock, the chopped onion and salt and pepper to taste. Let mixture boil for 10 minutes. Add the collard greens, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 3-4 hours or until well cooked and most of th water is cooked away.