4 ham hocks (about 2 pounds, total)
Pinch cayenne
5 bay leaves
8 1/2 cups water
4 pounds of assorted greens, such as collard, mustard, turnips, frisee, arugula, and spinach, washed, stemmed, and trimmed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped bell peppers
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
File powder
Salt and pepper
3 cups cooked white rice, warm
1 tablespoon chopped green onions
Essence, recipe follows

Cooking Recipe:

In a large pot, combine the ham hocks, bay leaf, and water. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the liquid up to a boil and reduce to a simmer (means to cook over a low fire) . Cook the ham hocks for 30 minutes. With a slotted spoon remove the hocks, remove the meat and chop. Reduce the heat to medium, add the greens, a handful at a time, and blanch until they are wilted. Drain and reserve the liquid.

Chop the greens. Set aside. In the same pot, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, saute the vegetables until they are wilted, about 10 minutes. Add the ham hock, greens, reserved liquid, and herbs. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 1 1/2 hours.

Add the file powder right before serving. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle the gumbo in a shallow bowl and place a spoonful of the rice in the center. Garnish with green onions and Essence.

Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

Yield: about 2/3 cup