Ingredients:
1 bunch Fresh Collards de stemmed and chopped into one inch squares
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
Choose one- ham hock, 1 cup fresh bacon grease, or 1 16oz carton chicken stock
Directions:
Clean collards and soak in large mixing bowl with 2 tbsp. of sugar and warm water.
Dissolve sugar in the water prior to adding the chopped collards.
Let soak for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
In a 4 gallon pot- add 1 ¼ gallons of water and let boil. If using ham hock add now.
If using chicken stock add 1 gallon of water and then add chicken stock.
If using bacon grease, then add 1 ¼ gallons of water and grease.
Once water is boiling add remaining 1 tbsp. sugar, salt, pepper and vinegar and let boil for about 5 minutes. Next add collards and allow to cook down. Once collards have cooked down into the water stir frequently and reduce heat to a simmer. Continue to cook for about one hour.
Remove ham from ham hock. Then remove ham hock from water. Strain collards and place in a bowl reserving some of the water. Serve.