Ingredients

• 1 lb dried black beans
• 1/2 large onion, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 stalk celery
• 2 sprigs parsley
• 1/2 cup olive oil or 1/8 cup bacon fat
• salt, to taste
• 1 dash Tabasco sauce
• 1/4 cup jamaican rum
• sour cream, as topping

Instructions

1. Put the beans in a pan with water to cover by 1".

2. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 1 hour.

4. Add the onions, bay leaf, thyme, celery and parsley.

5. Add ham bone or substitute diced salt pork, olive oil or bacon fat, as above.

6. Cook (simmer) until the beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

7. Add salt to taste and a small dash of Tabasco Sauce.

8. Discard bay leaf, vegetables and ham bone.

9. Put the beans and their liquid in a casserole, add the rum, correct the seasoning, and bake at 350F until well heated; about 20 minutes.

10. Serve with cold sour cream (you probably want more than just a dollop!)

11. Enjoy!