2 lbs. string beans
2 ham hocks
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 sm. onion, quartered (optional)

Scrub clean ham hocks with cold water. Simmer hocks in a deep pot with a lid in water to cover until tender, about 45 minutes. Add more water, if needed. Sort, snap and string beans. Rinse in cold water. Add to hocks with onion. Add water to cover all ingredients. Increase the flame to allow water to come to a boil. Lower the flame and add seasoning and simmer very slowly until beans are tender.