Title: Black bean ragout with snails
 Categories: Chinese, Snails, Appetizers
      Yield: 4 Servings
 
    1/2 c  Dried black beans*
      1    Ham hock
  1 1/2 tb Chinese fermented blk. beans
      1 tb Butter
    1/4 c  Julienne of fresh fennel
      1    Clove garlic; crushed
    1/4 c  Hot salsa
  1 1/2 tb Red wine vinegar
      2 tb Bucheron or Montrachet*
      8    Thin slices French bread
     28    Snails (available in cans)
    1/4 c  Julienned roasted red pepper
      1 tb Chopped fresh cilantro
 
  *Note: Dried black beans should be soaked overnight in cold water to
  cover. Amount of Bucheron or Montrachet may be increased to 1-1/2
  times amount given.
  
  Drain the beans and put them in a 2-quart saucepan with the ham hock
  and fermented black beans.  Add cold water to cover ingredients by 2
  inches. Bring the water to a boil, skimming of any froth that rises
  to the surface. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, until
  the beans are tender. Remove and discard the ham hock. Reserve the
  beans and about 1 cup of the liquid, or enough to give the beans a
  stew like consistency.
  
  Preheat the broiler.
  
  Heat the butter in a large skillet.  Add the fennel and cook over
  moderate heat, for about 5 minutes, until tender. Add the beans, the
  bean liquid, the garlic, salsa and vinegar and stir. Cook over low
  heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  
  Spread the goat cheese on the bread slices.  Place under the broiler
  for 1 to 2 minutes, just until golden.
  
  Taste the beans and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add the snails
  and cook for 5 minutes, until they are heated through. Remove the
  beans from the heat and stir in the roasted peppers.
  
  Divide the ragout among 4 serving plates and sprinkle with cilantro.
  Place 2 cheese-topped croutons at the sides of each plate.