Creole Gumbo

Directions

Cut the bacon pieces in half and put in a large soup kettle.

Place over low heat and cook bacon until it gives up it's fat, then remove, drain on paper towels and set aside.

Add the onions to the bacon drippings in the kettle and cook over moderate heat until golden brown, stirring all the while.

Add garlic, bay leaves, green pepper, thyme, sugar, salt and pepper and cook slowly until green pepper is wilted.

Add cut okra to the kettle and cook for 5 minutes, stirring.

Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the ham bone, chicken wings and veal cubes and cook over medium heat, stirring to brown meats on all sides.

Pour off any excess fat and add the meats and bones to the kettle.

Pour a cup of water into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to loosen all the brown particles that cling to the bottom and sides.

Mix and pour this into the kettle.

Add the parsley, tomatoes, tabasco and worcestershire sauces and lemon juice.

Add the shrimp, crab, oysters (with their liquid) and reserved bacon.

Add enough water to cover all ingredients, bring the gumbo to a boil and turn off the heat.

Stir in the file powder and stir to mix but do not boil again.

To serve, spoon a mound of cooked rice into the middle of each soup plate, then ladle the gumbo around the rice.