1 slice ham, 1/2 inch thick, diced
1 lg. onion, chopped
2 lbs. finely sliced okra
2 lbs. shelled shrimp
2 bay leaves
1/4 c. chopped tomatoes
1 1/2 doz. oysters
1/4 c. oil
1 clove of garlic
4 c. water
1 (1 lb.) can crabmeat
2 tsp. minced parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp. file powder

Fry ham in oil until tender; add onion and garlic. Saute. Add okra; fry slowly until mixture is dry, stirring. Add water, shrimp, crab, bay leaves, parsley, tomatoes, salt and pepper. Simmer for 3 hours. Add oysters and file powder. Cook for 15 minutes. Serve over rice. Yield 10 servings.