2 qts. water
2 lbs. ham steaks
1/8 tsp. garlic powder (or 1/2 clove minced garlic)
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. red pepper
Salt (to taste)
1 lb. red kidney beans
1 lg. onion, finely chopped

Wash beans. Place beans and water in large heavy pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and boil for two minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for one hour.

Add ham and onion to beans. Cook over low-medium heat for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally (if cooked over medium heat stir more often).

When beans are cooked (or just slightly hard) remove from pot. Remove ham from pot also. Place a scoop of beans in a bowl and mash with a fork or masher to desired consistency. (I mash mine fairly well but I do leave a few whole beans.) Return mashed beans to pot. Pull ham apart to small pieces and return to pot. Add seasonings. Cook over low-medium heat for approximately one hour. Stir more often so beans will not stick. Add more water if necessary. Serve over rice. (I usually cut my onion in 2-4 pieces and remove them when I take the beans out to mash. I do not put them back in.)