Everyday Collards!

Welcome to week 2!

This weeks market basket provided us with: collards, kale, cukes, carrots and red leaf lettuce. In addition I picked up a watermelon, cantaloupe and some sweet white corn - and of course a small mixed berry pie (like I could resist that!). During the year collards are almost a staple for us - especially in the posted best mac n cheese ever from last year - what's in them - yep, collards!

My family and friends all have twists on making collards and what I've discovered is that making delicious greens is a bit like making risotto. A core group of ingredients and patience is all it takes. I'll share how we go about making them and feel free to ask questions or share your own recipes!

Collards

Ingredients:
1/4 lb bacon cut into small pieces
Olive Oil
1/8 cup Cider Vinegar
1/8 cup chicken broth
Water
White Wine or Beer (not kidding!)
1 bunch of cleaned collards (stem removed and cut into long thin strips, chiffonade style)
1 medium yellow or sweet onion chopped
Coarse Ground Pepper
Salt (do not add till all is said and done!)

How to:
Assemble all your ingredients and prep them as described above.

In a stockpot over med-high heat add a couple teaspoons olive oil and the bacon. Sweat the bacon till tender, not crispy. Add the onions, pepper and saute till tender. Add the collards and start simmering over medium heat.

Add cider vinegar and chicken stock, cover (with lid tilted to allow some steam to escape) and simmer till liquid is almost absorbed. Never let the greens get dry during the cooking process so monitor closely. Similar to Risotto you will now start adding some wine or beer then water allowing time for the liquid to be absorbed and the greens to get tender. Rule of thumb on the amount of liquid at a time - 1/8-1/4 cup. Stir often and after about 1/2 hour start testing for taste and tenderness of the greens. Once you are satisfied - if they need salt add some sparingly.

Last night we served our collards with Rosemary Cornmeal Muffins, zuchini with a mushroom/sage oil and veal medallions.

Would love to try some of your family favorites!

Enjoy,
Cheryl