1/4 c. plus 1 tbsp. bacon drippings
1/4 c. plus 2 tbsp. all purpose flour
2 med. onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 c. finely chopped celery
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes
1 (16 oz.) can tomato sauce
5-6 c. water
1 tbsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
2 lb. shrimp, peeled
1/2 lb. crabmeat, drained
1 (16 oz.) pkg. frozen cut okra
1 pt. oysters, undrained
3 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Hot cooked rice
4 tbsp. cumbo file

Combine bacon drippings and flour in a large pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly 10-15 minutes or until brown. Stir in onion, celery, and garlic, cook 5 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add shrimp, crabmeat, and okra; simmer 20 minutes. Add oyster, if desired, and Worcestershire sauce and simmer 10 minutes. Add tablespoon cumbo file. Simmer 10 minutes. Serve over hot cooked rice. Makes 4 1/2 quarts.