Shrimp Creole

Ingredients

• 2 to 2 1/2 pounds shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped (optional and not absolutely traditional)
• 1 cup finely cut celery
• 1 #2 1/2 can Italian plum tomatoes or 2 1/2 cups stewed fresh tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco