1 lb. red beans
1 lb. smoked sausage
8 to 10 c. water
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 lg. bay leaf
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
Salt to taste
Hot cooked rice for 12 portions

Rinse red beans. In a large pot, add all ingredients, except rice, and bring to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to low and cook 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours. Add water, if necessary, while cooking to prevent pot from boiling dry. 15 minutes before done, mash 4 to 5 tablespoons beans through strainer, stirring into liquid (this makes liquid creamy). Serve over fluffy rice. Serves 12.