Black Beans

Ingredients 1 pound dried black beans 1/4 cup olive oil 1 cup diced onion 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, chopped 1 small jalapeno pepper, chopped 5 or 6 garlic cloves, minced 1 ham bone or 2 ham hocks washed 2 teaspoons seasoned salt 3 bay leaves 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin Directions: Place beans in a large colander.  REmove any foreigh objects and wash the beans under cold drunning water.   Place the beans in a large bowl and add enought water to cover by alt least 3 inches.  In a large pot, heat oil and saute onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper until onion is transparent.  Add garlic, saute and stir an additional minute or so.  Add water, hom bone or ham hocks, seasoned salt and bay leaves.  Ham should be covered by 2 inches of water.  Bring to a boil.  REduce heat to low, add remaining seasonings. and simmer for 1 hour.  Add beans and additional water, as necessary to cover beans.  Cover pot and continue to cook on low heat until tenser, approximately 2 to 3 hours.  Remove lid and allow beans to cook uncovered during the last hour.  If beans become too thick, thin with water.  Liquid s hould have consistency of a thin medium gravy.  Serve with chicken and yellow rice, corn bread or cuban bread.