It has been cold and snowing here. Just the right weather for soups and comfort food. These green beans and ham hocks are so good. They do not need any added spices or seasoning but you can add them if you desire. There is no need to add salt to these since the ham hocks/shanks are already salty. I am sensitive to pepper so I did not add any to these but you can if you want to. I just don't know how much to add. They can be served as a meal with cornbread or as a side dish with meat This can easily be turned into soup by adding other vegetables. Cook time varies according to your crockpot. When I lower my 3.5 quart crockpot to low, it does not boil or even simmer so I cook these on high the whole time. Stovetop method time is approximate. These smell so good while they cook.