2 c. green beans
1 slice of bacon or a piece of ham
salt to taste
1/2 tsp. sugar (optional)
water to cover

Cut bacon into 3 pieces; place in a heavy boiler and cook until almost done and drain. If you use ham cook the ham for about 10 minutes in the water before adding the beans; do not drain. Add fresh snapped beans, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and sugar; cover with water. Cover and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes. Taste liquid to see if you need more salt, if you do add it now with a light hand. If they are to salty add an irish potato that has been peeled and cut into large cubes; the potato will soak up any extra salt. Continue cooking until beans are done.

Add warm water as needed to keep beans just covered.