Red Beans and Rice - Buisson style

1lb red beans (I recommend Camelia beans)]

1 large yellow onion (I recommend Vidalia onions)

1/2 to 1 lb of ham chunks, 3-4 ham hocks, or 1 ham bone

1-2 lb of sausage (I recommend a coarse spicy sausage or smoked sausage)

2 stalks of celery

1 bell pepper

3 green onions

salt, pepper, parsely

You may soak the beans overnight in water or just cook them until they are soft. Fill the pot approximately half full of water and add the beans. Chop the yellow onion and bell pepper into 4 or 5 big pieces and add. Dice the celery and green onion and add. Add ham and salt, pepper, and parsley to taste. Cook until vegetables are soft and the mixture is beginning to thicken (about 3 hours). Then add sausage and cook for one more hour. To thicken further, smash the beans on the side of the pot. Be sure to stir every 10-15 minutes throughout. Serve over rice, or over buttered toast.

A glass of red wine and some french bread are HIGHLY encouraged. You'll love it! I GAR-ON-TEE!!!

Auntie Em's Fabulous Fruit Salad

1 can each pineapple, peaches, pears and mandarin oranges with syrup

4 small plums

2 large apples

any other fruit you can think of - blueberries, apricots, strawberries (I find their flavor takes over the salad)

bananas

dried cranberries

cottage cheese or yogurt

granola

pecans or walnuts

This fruit salad is quick and easy. It lasts in the fridge for about a week as long as you add the syrup to keep the apples from turning brown. Chop as desired and add all fruit except bananas and cranberries. I tried putting the bananas in with all the other fruit, but they turned brown and mushy. I add bananas, cranberries, cottage cheese/yogurt, granola and nuts to each individual bowl I make. If you want to use all fresh fruit, that's fantastic - I'm just too lazy! ENJOY!