What's for Supper: Ham Stew

Time is a constant problem at our house. Never enough time to do what needs to be done. Three tween age girls means constant laundry, club meetings, and homework between phone calls. They get angry because the phone will ring and I tell who ever it is the girls can not talk. "But Mawwwwwwwwm!!! THAT'S NOT FAIR!!!" I tell them it will not be fair for their friends to make honor roll and them no to because a phone call was more important. I get to be the good and bad guy in their lives. But that is fine with me. Except when it comes time for dinner. Sometimes I just want to order a pizza and be done with it. That being out of the question, we settle for quick and easy. This recipe is a favorite ot theirs.

Start with three or four thick slices of ham. I do not like the brown sugar cured for this one. I actually prefer the picnic ham. It generates more flavor. Using a large 6 quart pan, brown it up a little. In the same pan, add 6 or 7 peeled potatoes. I cut them in half because we like big chunks of potatoes. Now add two or three cans of green beans. Do not drain. Do not use the french style. This is supposed to be a stew. Heat it up and let it simmer for about 1/2 hour. A higher heat will not let it cook properly. The longer you let it simmer, the thicker this stew becomes. It can actually be used as a soup it you wanted. This can be done in a crock pot in the morning as well.

I serve this with either thick slices of homemade bread or corn bread. You can salt and pepper to taste. When using the picnic ham, I find I do not have to add any salt. That is all there is to it. Three simple ingredients to make a great meal. Enjoy!