As all southerners know, eating Hoppin' John—black-eyed peas and rice—on New Year's Day ensures good luck. But it is the collards, traditionally eaten alongside, that bring good fortune! An added bonus to cooking up a mess o' greens is the resultant pot liquor—the delicious, nutritious broth left in the bottom of the cooking pot or serving dish. It is usually served as an accompaniment to that last piece of corn bread.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 8 to 10

　　6 cups water

　　1 large ham hock (about 1 1/4 pounds)

　　3 pounds collard greens

　　1‚ pounds turnips

　　Accompaniment: pepper vinegar

　　

Step 1

In a 6-quart kettle bring water with ham hock to a boil (water will not cover hock) and simmer, covered, turning hock over halfway through cooking, 1 hour.

　　

Step 2

While hock is simmering, remove and discard stems and center ribs of collard greens and cut leaves into 1-inch pieces. Stir collards into hock mixture and simmer, partially covered, until almost tender, about 45 minutes. Cut turnips into 1/2-inch cubes. Stir turnips into collards and simmer, partially covered, until turnips are tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Season collard and turnip mixture with salt and pepper. Collards and turnips may be cooked 8 hours ahead and cooled completely before being chilled, covered. Reheat collards and turnips before serving.

　　

Step 3

Serve collards and turnips with pepper vinegar.