CREOLE STRING BEANS with HAM, POTATOES and TOMATOES

Creole String Beans with Ham and Potatoes
Serves 6 to 8

3 strips of bacon, cut up
2 cups ham pieces and ham bone optional
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
15 ounce can tomatos, fresh when in season
1 (16-ounce) cans string beans, drained, fresh when available
6 new potatoes, scrubbed, peeled or unpeeled
salt and pepper to taste

Cook the cut up bacon, ham, onion, garlic, tomatoes and green beans, except the potatoes, in a large covered pot for 20 minutes. If using fresh beans, cut off tips and cut into 2-inch pieces. Add the potatoes, salt and pepper. Cook until potatoes are tender. That's it.