You may soak your beans or not. I don't. Put beans in a pot with water, onions, bell pepper, celery, green onions, garlic, seasonings and meats (except sausage. Cook until beans are tender, 2 to 3 hours. About 15 minutes before beans are done, add sausage. I like to add a little Wondra to thicken gravy at this point. Some people smash some beans on the side of the pot to thicken gravy. Remove bay leaf and serve over cooked rice. Pass the Tabasco for those who like some more spice. Some people like to pour a little Hot Pepper Vinegar on top. We have baked or fried pork chops on the side. Mm Waldine Van Geffen vghc42a@prodigy. Com.