Joe's Crab Shack Rice Pilaf

Serves: 6

1 2/3 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 1/3 cups rice
1 teaspoon butter
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil in a saucepan. Add rice, cover and cook until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Saut? celery, onion, peppers, and garlic in butter until tender. Stir saut?ed vegetables into rice.

Remove bay leaf before serving.