2 lbs. dried red beans
1 meaty ham bone or 1 1/2 lbs. ham chunks
2 lg. onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf (opt.)
Tabasco to taste
Salt & pepper to taste

Wash dried beans. Remove any foreign matter, such as stems, etc. Place in a large four to six quart saucepan or Dutch oven. Add four to five quarts water, ham, onion, garlic and seasonings. Simmer slowly for about three hours until beans are soft and the gravy is thick. Serve over cooked rice with Tabasco sauce. Serves 10.