2 c. red beans
1 lg. onion
1/2 lb. pickled meat or ham shank
3 pods garlic
1 green pepper
2 tbsp. chopped parsley
1 bay leaf
3 tbsp. shortening
2 1/2 qt. water
Salt and pepper to taste

Soak beans overnight. Cook with seasonings, meat and shortening until creamy, except parsley. Just before ready to serve add parsley and salt and pepper to taste.