Red beans and rice

To cook red beans, first I start with a picnic ham or ham bone and put it in the crock pot with a bunch of water. I let it cook until it falls apart, usually 8 to 12 hours. I then remove the ham from the water and add the beans and some onions and just a touch of garlic. I let all that cook about 5 hours, checking on it about every hour or so to make sure there is enough water. I then add about a cup of chopped ham and cook a few more hours until the beans are soft and the mixture is thick. I serve it over cooked rice with smoked sausage on the side. This is one of the favorite dishes at our Mardi Gras parties.