Collard Greens
Growing up, I was a very picky eater. Certain foods would not cross my lips no matter how long I was forced to sit at the supper table. Peas, mushrooms, asparagus, zucchini, artichokes, onions, radishes, cauliflower, broccoli, beets, okra, cucumbers, any lettuce with the exception of iceberg…you get the idea. And that was just vegetables. Don’t get me started on fruit or proteins!
Fast forward 30 years and there are very few foods I won’t happily devour. Seriously, I love all cuisines and am grateful for grocery stores that carry so many different types of fruits, veggies, meats and spices…the possibilities are endless!
Growing up in the south, collard greens were a frequent flyer at our table. As soon as I saw those big leaves being washed in the kitchen sink, I would begin thinking of my exit plan during supper. The craziest part is that I never actually tried them. Who knew they would become one of my favorite comfort foods as an adult?!?
Fun Fact: Collard greens are an excellent source of vitamin A (essential for healthy vision) and contain amazingly high levels of vitamin K (370% of recommended daily levels per 2 cups) which is critical for promoting bone mass. Enjoy my favorite recipe! 
Bon Appétit!
– Summer
Collard Greens
Ingredients:
1 – 1 ½ lb. smoked ham hocks (or preferred bone-in, smoked meat)
2 tsp seasoning salt
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper
2 lbs. collard greens, rinsed
Instructions:
1. To prepare the greens, remove the thick stem of each leave with a sharp knife. Then julienne the remaining part of the leaf into ½ inch width strips.
2. Bring a large pot of water to boil
3. Add ingredients and reduce temperature to a simmer for 45 minutes
4. Turn off heat, shred remaining meat and serve with hot sauce on the side
NOTE: Did you know collard greens are healthy for dogs too? Many pups, including ours, enjoy the left over stems!
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About The Kitchen Diary
This collection of delicious recipes features favorites from Executive Director Summer Day. As someone who enjoys cooking and living a healthy life, Summer will share delicious recipes relevant to the seasons. We hope you and your family enjoy as much as we do!
