GUMBO

2/3 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cp chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped bell pepper
6 clovers garlic, minced
3 cups sliced okra
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
1 pound shrimp (optional)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 bay leaves
6 cups chicken broth, warmed

In a large Dutch Oven combine oil and flour and mix together over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook while stirring for about 10 minutes until mixture (Roux) turns light brown.

Stir in onion, celery and green pepper along with the garlic, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook on medium for about 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Add hot chicken broth a little at a time, then add the sausage, okra, chicken and bay leaves, bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

If using Shrimp add the last 5 minutes and cook until Shrimp turns pink. Discard Bay Leaf. Serve over cooked rice with a loaf of crusty French bread and hot sauce on the side.