1 lb. dried red kidney beans
2 qt. cold water
4 bay leaves
1 green pepper
Cayenne pepper or hot sauce
1 meaty ham bone or thick slice ham, cubed
1/2 lb. hot sausage, sliced thick
3 med. onions
Large pinch thyme
1 bunch scallions
2 stalks celery

1. Rinse beans twice; discard bad beans.

2. In a big pot put beans, water, ham and sausage. Cook uncovered over medium heat.

3. Chop and add scallions (including tops), green pepper, celery and onion. Add thyme and bay leaves.

4. When mixture boils, reduce heat, cover, cook 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.

5. With wooden spoon, mash 1/4 of the beans against the side of the pot. If they don't mash easily, wait 30 minutes and try again.

6. 40 minutes after mashing season with pepper or hot sauce. Don't over season.

7. Cook another 30 minutes wile making rice.

8. Ladle beans over rice and serve or refrigerate overnight then heat and serve.