Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:17)

Red Beans & Rice (Treebeard's Restaurant)

1 lb. red kidney beans

1½ quarts water

2 medium onions

2 stalks celery with leaf, chopped

½ bell pepper, chopped

Ham bone or bacon drippings

Salt

Pepper

Garlic

Cayenne pepper

Bayleaves

Thyme

Oregano

Combine beans with water and soak overnight (or bring to boiling, reduce heat; simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover; let stand 1 hour.). When ready to cook, combine with remaining ingredients. Bring water to boil and simmer about 2 hours until beans get soft and start to thicken on bottom. Add seasonings and 1 lb. or more of large link sausage during last 30 minutes.