Posted by: Ginger - St Thomas on Fri, Jul 21, 00 at 23:21

RED BEANS & RICE (serves 8)
1 ham bone
1/4 tsp Tabasco (I'd up that a bit)
1 tsp Worcestershire
1 lb red beans, washed & picked over
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced
3 TBL vegetable oil
1/2 lb ham, cubed
1/4 lb hot sausage, diced
2 bay leaves
Salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 cups cooked rice
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the ham bone with 4 cups of water, Tabasco, Worcestershire & beans. Bring to a boil, lower the heat & cook uncovered over a low flame. In a small skillet saute the celery, onion & garlic in the oil until transparent. In another pan saute the ham & sausage until lightly browned; drain. Add the cooked meats & the onion mixture to the beans. Add the bay leaves, salt & pepper & continue to cook over a low flame until the beans are soft & creamy, approximately 2 1/2 hours. Remove the bay leaves & add the parsley before serving. For additional thickness, uncover & cook longer. Serve over hot, fluffy rice.