RED BEANS AND RICE

1 lb dry red beans
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (14 1/2-oz. each) beef broth
2 cups water
1 lb smoked ham, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce
3 to 4 cups hot cooked rice (to serve)

In a large pot, cover beans with 3 times their volume of water and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Discard water.

Combine all ingredients except rice in crock pot stoneware.

Cover cook on Low 10 to 12 hours or on High for 5 to 6 hours.

Serve over hot cooked rice.