1 lb. chicken, turkey, pork or beef, cut in pieces
4 tbsp. butter
1 1/2 c. onion, in all
1 1/2 c. celery, in all
1 1/2 c. green pepper, in all
1/4 tsp. Tabasco
1/2 lb. ham, chopped (I use deli ham)
2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
2 c. uncooked rice (preferably converted)
2 cans chicken broth
2 cans water

SEASONING MIX:

2 whole bay leaves
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. white pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne or red pepper
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Combine seasoning mix and set aside. Melt butter in 4-quart saucepan. Add 3/4 cup each of the onions, celery, and peppers. Then stir in seasoning, Tabasco, and ham. Cook over high heat until onions are dark brown, stirring occasionally. Add tomato sauce and simmer 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add meat and cook over high heat 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in rice, mixing well. Reduce heat, simmer about 12 minutes. Add the stock. Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer covered over low heat, until rice is tender but still firm, about 15 minutes.