I’ve been quite the Grinch this holiday season thus far … completely devoid of all things shiny & red (except my lipstick, of course) & green. No pine or cinnamon taunting the air in my house. It’s been a bit drab. Now, I’m not saying I’m not a fortunate gal at all. Don’t misunderstand. I have a family that loves me. Friends that have evolved into family. Colleagues and acquaintances that have become friends. The cycle is endless.

I think sometimes (definitely not always, but literally sometimes) when we think we have nothing left to give … it’s truly the simple things that make Christmas … indeed what it is. It can be a simple smile, a thoughtful call, a kick in the ass or just being together doing nothing at all. Diary entry complete … time for comfort food!

In all seriousness, my dear friend & colleague mentioned her love of the Southern style white bean … so, in the spirit of the season, I’m sharing my no fuss recipe. How lucky is she?

*Yes, all previous rhymes were intentional & made perfect sense, I might add.

Traditional white beans + fresh herbs

What you’ll need:

• 1 lb. dried Great Northern beans
• 1 smoke ham hock (for you folks who are unfamiliar, it’s by the country ham)
• 1 lb. country ham seasoning pieces
• 1 tsp. of salt
• 3 dried bay leaves
• 4 cloves peeled garlic
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 10 sprigs of fresh thyme
• a slow cooker (crock pot)

What you’ll do:

• Place ham hock in the bottom of the crock pot
• Then pour in sorted and rinsed beans (pick out any gnarly looking ones and discard, then rinse)
• Place ham pieces on top of beans
• Cover all with fresh, cold water (about 2 1/2″ above the bean mixture level)
• Throw in garlic, thyme, rosemary and bay leaves
• Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. Check the beans at 5 for tenderness and seasoning.
• Serve with hot skillet cornbread, fresh sliced onion, tomatoes & chow chow (really, whatever you please).
• Enjoy!