Purple Hull Peas, Crowder Peas or Butter Beans

Ingredients

1 quart water
One and one-fourth-inch thick slice of salt pork (2 to 3 inches long)
1 tablespoon bacon drippings
4 cups shelled fresh beans or peas (frozen can be used)

Instructions

Combine the water, salt pork, and bacon grease in a large, heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add the beans or peas and return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the beans are very tender, about 3 hours. Add more water if necessary to keep the beans or peas covered with liquid.

The pot liquor from purple hull peas is delicious served over slices of white bread.

Makes 4 to 6 servings