1. Wash the beans and place them in a 6-quart stove-top casserole with 4 cups water. Cover and boil 2 minutes; shut off the heat and let stand 1 hour.
2. Add the remaining ingredients, except the vinegar and salt and pepper, cover, and simmer 2 hours until the beans are tender.
3. You may have to add a bit of fresh water to the pot as the beans should be just covered with water when you begin the second cooking stage. At completion, debone the hocks, chop up the meat, and return it to the pot.
4. Add the vinegar and the salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and heat all through.
