Spicy Red Bean Soup

Ingredients

1 t cayenne pepper
1 t black pepper
2 bay leaves
1 t cumin
1 lb dry kidney beans
3 qt water
1 1/4 lb smoked ham hock
1 tb salt
1 1/2 c celery
2 garlic
3 tb parsley

Instructions

Place cayenne pepper, black pepper, bay leaves and cumin in center of 6-inch square of cheesecloth. Pull edges together, making a ball of the spices. Twist and tie with heavy thread. Rinse beans and put them in large kettle with spice ball, water, ham hock, salt, celery, onion and garlic. Heat to boiling, reduce heat and simmer covered for 3-4 hours or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, remove spice ball. Stir in Tabasco and parsley. Creme de Colorado Cookbook (1987) From the collection of Jim Vorheis