Home-Cooked Pole Beans

Cut beans into 1 1/2-inch pieces, and set aside.

Cook bacon slices in a large saucepan until crisp; remove bacon, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings in saucepan. Crumble bacon, and set aside.

Add water and next 3 ingredients to saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Add beans; cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook 15 minutes or to desired degree of doneness. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon.