Bring hocks to a boil, cover, turn down to a simmer. Check water level periodically to add more if required. If using fixed ham, do not do these hocks steps.

When hocks have simmered for 3 hours, pull hocks out, place on a plate to allow to cool.

Bring beans to a boil, turn down heat to a simmer, cover. Stir ever 10-15 minutes

After beans have simmered 1 1/2 hours)

Chop one large onion (yellow or sweet is what I usually use), add to beans, stir

Adds ham hocks or if using diced ham to beans, stir

If using a premixed add season packet. Or add spices in ingredients list, not both!