1 lb. dried red kidney beans
2 qts. cold water
1 ham bone with meat or a slice of raw ham, cubed
1/2 lb. hot sausage, sliced
1 bunch scallions
1 green pepper
2 stalks celery
3 med. onions
1 large pinch of thyme
4 bay leaves
Tabasco or Cajun Sunshine
Salt
Cooked white rice

Rinse beans and place in a large heavy pot (4 quart size). Add water, ham and sausage. Place uncovered over medium heat. It must come to a boil slowly. Chop and add scallions, onions, celery and green pepper. Add thyme and bay leaves. When it finally comes to a boil, reduce heat and cover with pot lid. Let cook about 3 hours, stirring every half hour or so. When the beans are tender, mash some of them against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon, then stir back in. This will help thicken the sauce. About an hour after mashing the beans, add a dash or two or three of hot sauce and cook another half hour. Serve over rice. Takes a long time but it's worth waiting for!