Bacon and Cabbage

Directions

1. 1
   Place the meat in a large saucepan of water and bring to the boil.
2. 2
   Bring to the boil.
3. 3
   If a white scum (its salt) rises to the top, drain off the water, replace with cold water and bring to the boil again.
4. 4
   Repeat until there is no scum.
5. 5
   Then add the onions, carrots, and celery and simmer for 15 minutes per pound plus 15 minutes over.
6. 6
   Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the water, dry it lightly with some kitchen towels.
7. 7
   Remove the thick fat layer unless you prefer it on throughout.
8. 8
   Retain a cupful of the cooking water discard the vegetables, they were there for flavor and have done their job.
9. 9
   Mix together the honey, mustard and ground cloves and smear it all over the bacon.
10. 10
    Leave it, covered, to rest and let the honey mixture soak in for about 20-30 minutes or several hours or even overnight if that suits you better.
11. 11
    Before serving, put the bacon into a moderately hot oven, about 400 degrees F (200 degrees C/Gas Mark 6) for about 20-30 minutes.
12. 12
    This gives you plenty of time to prepare the cabbage.
13. 13
    CABBAGE:
14. 14
    Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, cut it into four and remove the stalk.
15. 15
    Then finely shred it.
16. 16
    Put half a cupful of the bacon water in a saucepan, add the butter and bring to the boil.
17. 17
    Then add the cabbage and stir it constantly until it wilts and becomes slightly soft.
18. 18
    It will take about 5 minutes to cook.
19. 19
    The water and butter will disappear partly coating the cabbage, partly steaming away so you will not need to drain it at all.