1 c. dry red beans - soaked overnight
3 c. water
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
3 tbsp. bacon drippings or 1 sm. ham hock
1 sm. onion studded with 2 whole cloves
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 rib celery, chopped
1/4 c. chopped parsley
1 bay leaf, broken

Drain the beans. Cover beans with the water, salt, pepper and bacon drippings. Bring to a boil. Simmer 1 1/2 hours. Add onion, garlic, parsley, and bay leaf. Return to a boil and cook for approximately 1 hour longer.