Green Beans and Ham with Spaetzle

Place the beans, ham, potatoes and onions in a large pot. Add enough water to come about halfway up the ingredients. Add pepper. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and cook until ham and beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hours. (Cooking time will depend on the age of the beans, but they should be very tender.) Remove the ham and cut into bite-size pieces. Taste the beans and add salt if needed.

Return the ham to the pot and cook for another 15 minutes. Place on individual serving plates and pass the vinegar.

Spaetzle with Browned Butter: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt and nutmeg. Add the eggs and milk; stir until thoroughly combined. Let dough rest about 15 minutes before cooking.

Heat a large pot of lightly salted water until boiling. Press the dough through a spaetzle maker or a colander (you want small strings of it). Add the spaetzle and cook until done, about 4 minutes. The dumplings will float when done. Drain well. Brown the butter in a small saucepan or skillet.

Place the spaetzle in a serving dish and pour the butter on top. Season with salt and pepper; toss well to combine. Serve immediately.