SEASONING
2 whole bay leaves
1 ts salt
1 ts white pepper
1 ts garlic powder
1/2 ts ground red pepper
1/4 ts black pepper
1/4 ts ground red sandalwood (opt)

MAIN INGREDIENTS
1 (about 3-lb) rabbit or
-chicken
4 tb margarine
1 1/2 c finely chopped onions
1 1/2 c finely chopped celery
1 1/2 c finely chopped green peppers
1/2 ts tabasco sauce
1 2/3 c chopped tasso or smoked ham
3/4 c canned tomato sauce
2 c uncooked rice, preferably
-converted
3 c rabbit or chicken stock

Cut meat away from rabbit or chicken bones and chop into 1/4-inch pieces;
use scraps, bones, and giblets (excluding the liver) to make the stock.
Refrigerate meat until ready to use.

Combine the seasoning mix ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

Melt the margarine in a 4-quart saucepan. Add 3/4 cup each of the onions,
celery, and bell peppers, then stir in the seasoning mix, Tabasco, and
tasso. Cook over high heat until onions are dark brown, about 20 minutes,
stirring constantly. Add the remaining 3/4 cup each of onions, celery, and
bell peppers. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the tomato
sauce and simmer about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the rabbit and
cook over high heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the
rice, mixing well. Reduce heat and simmer for about 12 minutes. Add the
stock. Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer covered over
very low heat until rice is tender but still firm, about 15 minutes.

To serve, mold rice in an 8-ounce cup. Place 2 cups on each serving plate
for a main course or 1 cup for an appetizer.

Makes 4 main-dish or 8 appetizer servings.

Original