2 lbs. small shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp. bacon drippings or other shortening
2 1/2 c. cut okra, chopped
1 lg. onion, chopped
2 tbsp. flour
1 can tomatoes, peeled
2 bay leaves, chopped
8 sprigs parsley, chopped
2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. cayenne
1 tsp. thyme
2 qts. boiling water
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 slices lemon peel
1 tbsp. file powder
4 c. rice, cooked and hot

Saute okra and onion in bacon drippings, until golden color. Add flour blend. Add tomatoes; mix. Add seasonings and water to tomato mixture. Simmer gently 1 hour or until thick. Add shrimp, garlic and lemon. Cook 10 to 15 minutes. Remove gumbo from heat and add file. Mix thoroughly. Serve immediately over hot rice.

Serves 6.