Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

This recipe made Alex happy. In his heart, this is the kind of recipe he holds dear. Don't let him fool you with his vast knowledge and picky tendencies; if I cooked like this all the time, he'd be one happy guy.

As for me? I was less than thrilled. I like more complex flavors. Or, you know, macaroni and cheese.

I guess we're all simple at heart.

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
From Cooking Light

3 cups water
1 cup dried red kidney beans
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
7 oz andouille sausage
1 bay leaf
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups hot cooked long-grain rice

Combine first 12 ingredients in an electric slow cooker. Cover with lid; cook on high heat for 5 hours. Discard bay leaf; stir in salt. Serve over rice.