GREAT NORTHERN BEANS IN THE CROCKPOT

⅓ cup Brown Sugar: Adds a mild sweetness that complements the savory flavor of the ham and the earthiness of the beans.
1 Onion (Chopped): Provides a base flavor, enhancing the overall savoriness of the dish.
1 ½ lb. Smoked Ham Hocks: These are the star of the dish, imparting a rich, smoky flavor to the beans.
1 lb. Great Northern Beans: A versatile bean that absorbs flavors well and offers a creamy texture when cooked.
Salt and Pepper to taste: Used for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the other ingredients.

Rinse and Sort Beans: Begin by rinsing the Great Northern beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Check for and discard any stones or shriveled beans.
Chop Onion: Peel and chop the onion into small pieces to ensure it distributes flavor evenly throughout the dish.

Beans: Place the rinsed beans into the bottom of the Crockpot. This allows them to be fully submerged and cook evenly.
Add Aromatics and Ham Hocks: Scatter the chopped onions and the brown sugar over the beans. Place the smoked ham hocks on top, ensuring they are nestled in well to infuse their flavor into the beans.

Add Water: Pour enough water into the Crockpot to cover the beans by about 2 inches, ensuring they have enough liquid to cook properly without drying out.
Initial High Heat: Cook on high for 2 hours. This initial high heat helps to bring the Crockpot up to temperature and starts the cooking process quickly.
Slow Cooking: After 2 hours, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 hours. The slow cooking process will tenderize the beans and ham hocks, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Remove Ham Hocks: Carefully remove the ham hocks from the Crockpot. They will be hot and potentially falling apart due to the long cooking time.
Shred Ham: Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the ham hocks, discarding the bones and any excess fat.
Combine and Season: Return the shredded ham to the Crockpot. Stir the mixture to combine the meat with the beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve Warm: Ladle the beans and ham into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of beans and meat. Serve hot as a comforting meal, especially in colder weather.

Herbs and Spices: Consider adding a bay leaf, thyme, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for additional flavor.
Vinegar Touch: A splash of apple cider vinegar stirred in at the end can brighten the flavors with a slight tang.

This recipe results in a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly day.