Ham, Hawk & Beans

For a delicious change of pace on Sunday afternoon after Church, I suggest an old family recipe - Ham, Hawk & Beans. Comfort food at its best. Many people will tell you to soak your beans first. I never do. I just wash them and cook them as below. For a really hearty winter meal, serve with a loaf of hot fresh bread or a pan of warm corn bread.


Ingredients:


1 Bag Dry Beans (my favorite is a 15-bean mix)
1 Lb. of Ham, Cut in Irregular Chunks
1 Large Hawk
1 Large Onion, Chopped
6 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
1 Large Bay Leaf
1 Tablespoon of Oregano
1 Tablespoon of Pepper
   Salt to Taste

1. Wash beans and remove all gravel and such. 2. Place beans, ham, onions, and garlic in a large pot filled with 15 cups of water. 3. Add spices. 4. Bring to a boil. 5. Throw in hawk. 6. Simmer on med-low heat fo 4-5 hours, adding more water as needed. 7. Remove hawk when it is tender and falling apart. Allow it to cool so it can be handled. Pick as many of the feathers off as possible (we would not want feather balls in the throat). Pick off the meat and add back to the soup. Cut off the head and claws for soup garnishment when serving. 8. Cook on low for another 20 minutes and serve. Watch the kids fight over the head!

(There is a story behind this post and it was done for a reason - just for those who don't know the story and might otherwise think I am even more weird than I really am.)