re: Good Substitute for Pickle Meat?

They don't have an Winn Dixies in Dallas. We have Albertsons, Kroger, Tom Thumb, Whole Foods, Central Market and Fiesta. I don't even know where a "ghetto" supermarket is around here. I've seen many Asian markets and Latin/Mexican type grocery stores around though.
Ham hocks is a great idea too. In case ya'll can't tell, I'm not the greatest cook. I learned how to make red beans one way and have to stuck to that way, except now I don't live in Nola.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!