1 lb. dried red kidney beans
1 1/2 qts. water
2 med. onions, chopped
2 ribs celery with leaves, chopped
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
Hambone or 4 slices bacon
1 lb. or more smoked link sausage
Salt
Garlic powder
Fresh ground black pepper
Bay leaves
Cayenne pepper
Thyme
Oregano

Soak beans overnight or bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes. Turn off heat, cover and let stand 1 hour. When ready to cook, add onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic and hambone or bacon slices. Bring to a boil and simmer about 2 hours until beans get soft and start to thicken in the bottom of pan. Add sausage and seasonings (to taste) during last 30 minutes. Serve over rice in individual bowls.