Red Beans And Rice(Serves Six) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. dried red kidney beans
2 qt. cold water
1 meaty ham bone or thick slice raw ham, cut into cubes
1/2 lb. hot sausage, sliced thick
1 bunch scallions, including green tops
1 green pepper
2 stalks celery
3 medium size onions
large pinch ground thyme
4 bay leaves
cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce
salt
pepper
white rice (not instant)

Preparation

Rinse kidney beans twice.
Discard any that look bad.
Put beans in a big, heavy pot, at least 3-quart size (4-quart is better).
Add water, ham and sausage.
Set uncovered on a burner at medium heat.
While the beans are soaking and warming, chop and add scallions, green pepper, celery and onions.
Add thyme and bay leaves.
When the mixture boils, reduce heat and cover.
Stir every 20 to 30 minutes for 3 hours.