Joe’s Crab Shack Rice Pilaf

1-2/3 c water
1 tbsp butter
1 bay laf
¼ tsp white pepper
1-1/3 c rice
1 tsp butter
¼ c chopped celery
¼ chopped onion
¼ c chopped red bell pepper
½ tsp minced garlic
1. Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil in saucepan.
2. Add rice, cover and cook until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
3. Sauté celery, onion, peppers and garlic in butter until tender.
4. Stir sautéed vegetables into rice.
Serves 6