4 c. sliced okra
1/3 c. bacon drippings
1 c. finely chopped onion
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 c. finely chopped celery
1 c. finely chopped green bell pepper
1 bay leaf
16 oz. can corn, drained
1/4 tsp. thyme
1/8 tsp. hot pepper sauce
1 tsp. salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 c. peeled, chopped tomatoes
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked & crumbled for garnish

1. Saute okra in bacon drippings 30 minutes, stirring often, until excess moisture disappears. Add onion, garlic, celery, bell pepper add bay leaf; cook 10 minutes, until onion is tender.

2. Stir in corn, thyme, hot pepper sauce, salt and ground pepper. Simmer, covered, 15 minutes; add tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes longer. Remove bay leaf and sprinkle with bacon. Serves 6 to 8.