Gumbo File

Ingredients

• 1 lb. shrimp, cleaned
• 2 doz. oysters
• 1 small young hen
• 1/2 lb. hot sausage
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 green peppers
• 6 fresh tomatoes
• 1 lb. crab meat
• 6 Tbsp. parsley
• 1/2 c. bacon fat
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 4 Tbsp. flour
• 4 Tbsp. file
• 1 1/2 to 2 qt. water
• 4 sprigs thyme
• salt, pepper and cayenne to taste