1 lb. dried red beans
1 lg. ham bone
1 lg. onion, chopped
1 lg. clove garlic, chopped
1 bay leaf
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. red pepper
2 tsp. salt
1 lb. smoked mild or hot link sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces
Hot cooked rice

Wash beans thoroughly, cover with water, and soak overnight. Drain beans and place in a heavy saucepan; cover with water. Add ham bone, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and red pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 2 hours or until beans are tender. Add more water during cooking, if necessary. Add salt and sausage to beans. Simmer, uncovered, until a thick gravy forms; stir occasionally. Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve over hot rice. Yield: 4 servings.