1 lb. dried kidney beans
8 c. water
1/2 lb. (or less) ham/turkey ham
1 lg. onion, quartered
1 green pepper, quartered
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Wash beans. Soak in water overnight (or boil 2 minutes, turn off heat, and soak 1 hour). Add remaining ingredients. Simmer 2 hours, covered; stir occasionally - water must cover beans at all times to soften them. Serve with Baked Rice.

BAKED RICE:

2 tbsp. butter or oil
2 tbsp. chopped onion
1 c. long grain white rice (or brown rice)
1 c. boiling water (3 1/2 c. if using brown rice)
2 bouillon cubes
1/2 tsp. salt, optional

Saute onions and rice in oil until grains are clear. Add boiling water, bouillon cubes and salt; stir and place in baking dish. Cover and bake 20 minutes (1 hour for brown rice). Note: If you double the recipe for white rice, add 10 minutes to baking time. Makes 6 servings.