Red Beans and Rice

Living in the south we get to try lots of really good things that I never thought I would eat. Red Beans and Rice has become on of my all time favorite southern foods. I found this recipe in the southern living cookbook, so it is pretty authentic, although not as good as Proffits Porch for those of you who know that wonderful restaurant.

1 lb dried red beans
1 ham hock, 1 lb. ( I just used ham from one that I have made before and added the meat into it)
3 quarts water
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup worcestershire sauce
1 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 bay leaves
6 cups hot cooked rice

Sort and wash beans. Combine beans, ham and water in large pot; bring all to boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Mash about 2/3 of beans against side of pot with back of spoon. Add onion and next 6 ingredients. Cover and bring to boil, reduce heat to medium-high and cook uncovered for 1 hour. Discard bay leaves and serve over rice.