HOSPITALITY CASSEROLE

2 lbs. hamburger

1 med. onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

2-3 bay leaves

seeds from 1 small dried red hot pepper (optional NF)

1½ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 small can minced black olives

3 small cans tomato sauce (or 1 lg., 1 sm.)

¼ cup dark brown sugar

4 slices bacon cut in eighths

1 lb. dried lima beans

Preheat oven to 375°.

Wash & rinse limas. Soak in 4 cups water for 4 hours.

Add two more cups water to limas, simmer for 1 hour drain limas, keeping 2 cups of the liquid

Fry meat, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, optional pepper seeds, salt & pepper. Drain well.

In large pot or baking dish, mix limas, bean liquor, meat mixture, bay leaves, tomato sauce and brown sugar.

Cover with cut bacon slices.

Bake in 375° oven for hour.

Comments: This is a large casserole that will easily serve 6 to 8 people (or four extremely large appetites). It is a casserole that tastes even better as a leftover so don't hesitate to make the whole recipe even if cooking for only two. Freezing and defrosting in the microwave works just fine.