Country Cassoulet

Prep time : 65 minutes + standing --- Bake 1 -1/2 hours --- Makes 4 servimg

#/4 ------------------pound dry navy beans

3 ---------------------cups water

1 ---------------------bay leaf

1 ---------------------teaspoon salt

1 ---------------------can(14 -1/2 ounces) chicken broth

1/4 ------------------pound bacon , diced

4 --------------------chicken legs or thighs

2 --------------------carrots , quartered

2 --------------------medium onions , quartered

2 --------------------medium onions , quartered

1/4 ----------------- cup coarsely chopped celery with leaves

1 --------------------cup canned diced tomatoes

2-------------------- garlic cloves . crushed

1/2 -----------------teaspoon dried marjoram leaves

1/2 -----------------teaspoon ground sage

1 --------------------teaspoon whole cloves

1/2------------------ pound smoked sausage , cut into 2-inch pieces

--------------------Chopped fresh parsley

1) Sort beans and rinse with cold water . In a Dutch oven or soup kettle , combine the beans , water , bay leaf , salt and pepper . Bring to a boil ; boil uncovered for 2 minutes . Remove from heat ; cover and let stand for 1 to four hours or until beans are softened . Do not drain .

2) Stir in chicken broth ; bring to a boil . Reduce heat ; cover and simmer for 1 hour . Meanwhile , in a small skilletr , cook bacon over medium heat until crisp . Using a slotted spoon , remove to paper towels . Drain ; reserve 2 tablespoons drippings . In the same skillet , brown the chicken in reserved drippings on all sides ; drain and set aside .

3) In a 3-quart casserole , combine the beans with cooking liquid , bacon , carrots , onions , celery , tomatoes , garlic , marforam and sage . Place whole cloves on a double thickness of cheesecloth ; bring up corners of the cloth and tie with a string to form a bag . Add to the casserole ; top with chicken .

4) Cover and bake at 350* for 1 hour . Uncover , add sausage . Bake 30 to 35 minutes longer or until beans are tender . Discard bay leaf and spice bag . garnish with parsley .