re: Pot cooked green beans

Drain beans. Use fresh water or light (De-fatted) chicken stock. I would buy a combination of fresh ham hocks and neck bones. Season and smoke them with oak/hickory/pecan etc.
If you can't find fresh, the grocery store ones will work if you smoke them again. Use fresh diced garlic, salt, a little black pepper, and a bit of red pepper flakes. Add a little bacon drippings if you like. Simmer and soak. Simmer and soak. Simmer and soak. Remove neck bones and hocks, retaining any tender meat.