A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 6 servings. 1 pound mustard greens 1 pound turnip greens 2 cups water 4 to 6 thick slices applewood-smoked bacon, diced 1 medium sweet onion, chopped 1 cup chicken

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 6 servings. 1 pound mustard greens 1 pound turnip greens 2 cups water 4 to 6 thick slices applewood-smoked bacon, diced 1 medium sweet onion, chopped 1 cup chicken

Sautéed Greens with Applewood-Smoked Bacon

Yield: 6 servings.

1 pound mustard greens
1 pound turnip greens
2 cups water
4 to 6 thick slices applewood-smoked bacon, diced
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
1 cup chicken stock
½ teaspoon salt
Black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon sugar
Dash of crushed red pepper flakes
Apple cider vinegar (optional)

Thoroughly wash greens until all grit and sand are removed. Place greens in a colander to drain. Remove and discard stems, and coarsely chop the leaves.

Add 2 cups of water to a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add greens to the pot and push down as they begin to wilt. Once all greens are in the pot, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until greens are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain greens in a colander, squeezing out any excess moisture, and set aside.

Wipe out the pot and place on stove over medium heat. Add bacon. Fry until bacon is crispy and fat is rendered. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Add chopped onion to the bacon drippings in the pot and sauté over medium heat until onion is lightly browned. Return bacon to the pot and stir to combine. Add cooked greens to the pot and stir in chicken stock. Add salt and pepper, along with sugar and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

Cover the pot and simmer greens over low heat until tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve apple cider vinegar as a condiment.

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This story was published on Feb 15, 2022

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.