3 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. chopped onions
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes (cut up)
1/2 c. chopped green peppers
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
1 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1/4 tsp. bottled hot pepper sauce
1 to 1 1/2 lbs. fresh shrimp, cleaned and deveined
1 (7 1/2 oz.) can crab meat, drained and cartilage removed
Add sauteed chicken wings, sausage (smoked), ham chunks
1 tbsp. file powder

Serve over hot cooked rice.

In a large saucepan melt butter; blend in flour, cook and stir until golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes.

Stir in onions and garlic; cook until onions are tender but not brown. Stir in undrained tomatoes, green pepper, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, hot pepper sauce, 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat and simmer covered, about 20 minutes.

Remove bay leaves. Stir in chicken wings, sausage, and ham chunks. Simmer 40 minutes.

Stir in shrimp and crab meat, heat through. Remove from heat. Blend moderate amount hot liquid if needed. Serves 12 to 15.