Denise's Black Beans (from ONCE A MONTH COOKING)

1 pound smoked sausage cut into pieces--I couldn't find smoked so I used:
3 cans (15-oz.) black beans, drained
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 1/2 cups chopped green bell pepper
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
2 tsp. minced garlic (4 cloves)
2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1 1/2 tsp. pepper
1 chicken bouillon cube
5 bay leaves
1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
1 cup water

Rice (enough to serve 8)

Combine all ingredients, except rice in a crockpot.

Cook on low for 8 hours.

Remove bay leaves. Either serve HOT or cool and FREEZE.

When preparing to serve, heat to boiling and simmer 15 mintues.

Serve over hot, cooked rice.

Makes 8 servings

**We split the recipe into two bags, each 4 servings.