Fresh String Beans with Potatoes (Okra Optional).

4 lbs. string beans, broken into small pieces about 1 ½ inch in length. 6 or 7 small red Irish potatoes 10 or 12 small pods okra (optional) 4 or 5 medium slices of salt pork (do not use pre-sliced meat) Salt and black pepper to taste Cut salt meat into ¼ inch slices. Add to pot and cover with cold water. Bring to boil and continue boiling for 10-15 minutes. Drain. Add 4 tablespoons cooking oil to the pot.  Fry salt pork in oil until crispy.  Add 2 cups cold water to pot. Wash and drain beans, and add to pot.  Add 2-3 slices fresh red pepper (optional). Add enough water to cover beans. Cover, and cook on medium heat until beans are ¾ done. Peel Irish potatoes and cut in half. Rinse, and add to beans.  If water does not cover beans and potatoes, add enough hot water to cover. (The finished dish should have about 1 cup of liquid). If adding okra, wash it in cold water and cut ends off.  Add to beans and potatoes. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix 2 teaspoons plain flour with 1/3-cup cold water. Mix well. Add to beans during last 10 minutes of cooking.  Stir well. If using CANNED snap beans, follow recipe below. 1-gallon snap or string beans 6-7 small red Irish potatoes 10-12 small pods fresh okra or 1 box frozen whole okra (optional) 2 medium slices salt pork ¾ pound cured ham ends salt and black pepper to taste ½ pod cayenne or jalapeno pepper Prepare salt pork as indicated for fresh snap beans. Wash and add ham ends. Add 1-cup cold water (from tap) to meats.  Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes.  Add ½ pod red pepper.  Peel potatoes.  Cut in half and add to meat.

       Cook for 8 minutes.  Add okra (optional). When almost done, add beans plus ½ liquid from the can of beans.  Add salt and black pepper to taste.  Cover and bring to boil. Add flour and water mixture as indicated for fresh snap beans.  Cook an additional 5 minutes. Serves 8-10.