Red Beans and Rice

INGREDIENTS

1/2 lb

red kidney beans (covered with 2 inches of water and soaked 8 hours to overnight)

4 oz

bacon (1/2 of an 8 ounce pack)

1/2

yellow onion (diced)

1/2

green bell pepper (diced)

stalks celery (diced)

3/4 tsp

salt

1/4 tsp

pepper (change this to 1/8 teaspoon if you aren't a pepper fan)

1/8 tsp

cayenne pepper

2 cloves

garlic (minced)

bay leaves

servings brown rice (cooked according to package directions)

green onions (diced (optional garnish))