Red Beans and Rice #3

1 pound red kidney beans
1 meaty ham bone
2 large onions, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste ( use Tony's if possible )
pinch of sugar
1 bay leaf ( optional )
2 pounds Owen's spicy sausage links
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Cooked rice
Soak beans overnight, rinse. Cover with water and cook with
ham bone ( fat trimmed off ), onion, bell pepper, celery, salt,
pepper, sugar, and bay leaf. While beans are cooking, boil
sausage in skillet. Drain, fry until crisp, and set aside.
Cook beans until fork tender ( 1 - 2 Hrs ); then add fried
sausage. JUST before serving, remove bay leaf and add parsely.
Serves 8 ( small servings ) and freezes well.
Serve with corn bread and mustard greens to complete the mood.