2 c. dried red kidney beans
1 lg. onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
1 lb. ham with bone or 1 lb. Polish sausage

Soak beans overnight or at least 6-8 hours in cold water. When ready to cook drain off water and put beans in large pot. Cover with 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer. Add onion, celery, garlic, salt, pepper and bay leaf. If adding ham, cut into chunks; in adding Polish sausage cut into large pieces to fit into pot. Add meat to beans.

Simmer at least 2 hours or until beans are soft. Add more water during cooking if necessary. Serve beans and meat over hot rice. Good served with corn bread.