Mom Would Be So Proud Collard Greens

• 1 bundle of collard greens, about 15 leaves
• 5 slices smoked bacon, divided
• 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled, divided
• pinch sugar to sprinkle on the garlic slices
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 3 slices of the bacon, sugar, salt, and juice from the lemon to the boiling water. Smash 4 of the garlic cloves and add them to the water, reserving the rest for the candied garlic chips. Boil the water for 45 minutes.
2. Tear the collard greens into pieces, discarding the central rib/stalk. Add them to the boiling water. Boil for another 45 minutes or until the greens are very tender. Drain well.
3. Slice the 4 remaining garlic cloves to make the garlic chips. Lightly sprinkle with a pinch of sugar and a pinch of salt. Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat and saute the garlic until lightly browned and crispy. Remove and set aside.
4. Cut the remaining bacon slices into thin lardons and fry in the leftover oil from sauteing the garlic chips. When lightly crispy, remove and set aside.
5. Pour out bacon grease/olive oil retaining only about 1/2 - 1 Tablespoon in the sautee pan. Add the applecider and lightly simmer until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Add the butter and stir until melted. Add the drained collard greens and toss in the cider vinegar / butter mixture to completely coat.
6. Remove the collard greens to a serving dish and top with the bacon lardons and candied garlic chips.
7. This is an amazing combination of flavors and textures when you eat it and can make a convert of those who are not collard greens fans.

collard greens, bacon, lemon, salt, sugar, garlic, sugar, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, unsalted butter

Taken from food52.com/recipes/3258-mom-would-be-so-proud-collard-greens (may not work)