#3731 - Baby Lima Beans and Ham

(by Shirley McNevich)

4 slices bacon (fried and crumbled but save the drippings)
1 tsp. bacon drippings
4 cups frozen baby lima beans
1 cup bite sized chopped cooked ham pieces (more if you wish)
4 cups water
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

In a Dutch oven add the water--bring to a boil. Add frozen lima beans, ham pieces, bacon drippings, salt and pepper--stir until lima beans are no longer frozen. Reduce heat to low--simmer for 90 minutes (checking every 20 minutes to make sure there is still liquid left, adding a little water if necessary). Just before serving add crumbled bacon--stir to mix. You can serve it with the broth OR drain/discard the broth.