New Orleans Shrimp Creole

Ingredients:

4 Tbsp. bacon drippings or butter
2 Tbsp. flour
2 small onions, chopped
1 c. chopped celery
1/2 green pepper, chopped
2 c. cleaned shrimp
dash of Tabasco
2 c. tomatoes
2 c. diced okra
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 c. water
1 bay leaf

Brown flour slightly in the fat. Add onion, celery, and pepper. As these begin to brown, add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer at least 45 minutes. Serve on fluffy rice.