FREEZING COLLARD GREENS RECIPES

Steps:

• Place 3 cups of water in a large pot and bring to a boil.
• Wash and scrub the Ham Hock well, cut into sections and add to the boiling water.
• Let Ham Hock simmer for about 30 minutes on medium heat.
• Wash the collard greens scrubbing each leaf under cool running water until clean.
• Fold each collard leaf in half, either in your hand or on your cutting board.
• Pull the leaf section away from the stem. Discard stems.
• Stack a couple of leaves together on your cutting board.
• Begin at one end and roll the leaves up tightly. Then, cut lengthwise down the center of the roll.
• Squeeze the cut sections back together, rotate and cut the roll into about 3/4 inch slices.
• Add leaves to the pot a little at a time, let them cook down a minute and then add more.
• Reduce heat to a low simmer, leave the pot uncovered and simmer for about 30 minutes.
• Chop the onions and chop or mince the garlic cloves.
• In a small saucepan on medium low heat, add the butter and let it melt.
• Add the chopped onions and garlic to the butter and sauté until onions are translucent.
• Add the cooked onions and garlic to your stock pot with the collard leaves.
• Add salt, sugar, black pepper and Texas Pete Hot Sauce in amounts listed. Stir well.
• Let simmer another 15 minutes or until the collards are as tender as you prefer.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove the greens and place in a bowl. Let the liquid continue to simmer.
• Chop the greens into smaller pieces but not to the point of being mushy.
• Remove the ham hock, chop the meatier portions into small pieces and return to the liquid.
• Return the chopped collard greens to the liquid and stir well.
• Keep warm until ready to serve.

Steps:

• Roast the garlic: Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Peel off most of the garlic's outermost skin but leave the whole head intact. Trim about 1/4 inch off the top of the garlic to expose the cloves. Place the garlic on a large piece of aluminum foil, then drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil over the exposed cloves and close the foil into a pouch. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until you can pierce the center of the head with a knife. Let cool slightly.
• Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the bowl of a food processor. Add the white beans, 4 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary leaves, black pepper, cayenne (if using), hot water and salt. Purée until smooth, then taste for salt, pepper, rosemary and lemon juice. Adjust as necessary. Transfer to a serving dish.
• Heat remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the remaining rosemary sprig — it should sizzle. Cook until brown and crisp, flipping once, about 1 minute per side, then transfer to the top of the dip as a garnish. Pour or spoon the remaining olive oil, now infused with rosemary, over the top of the dip. Sprinkle with cayenne for a little additional heat.