Butterbeans

Get yourself a mess of butterbeans. Sit on the porch in late afternoon or early morning and shell them into a pan. At the sink in cold water look the beans, searching for imperfections and flaws that would be evidence of insect feasting, throw those out. Once looked and washed place them in a pot of cold water, enough water to be twice as deep as the beans. They need lots of water to make good pot liquor. Add one thin strip of fatback or ham, NOT bacon!, and gently simmer until the beans are fork tender.