Seafood and Sausage Gumbo

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat until almost smoking.

Add flour and stir constantly until it is dark red-brown, about 8 minutes.

Immediately add celery, onions and green pepper and cook for 5 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan often.

Mix in salt, oregano, bay leaves and cayenne pepper. Add clam juice and tomatoes; boil for 15 minutes.

Add okra, reduce heat and simmer until okra is tender, about 15 minutes. Add shrimp and cook only until just cooked through.

Mound 1/2 cup rice into bowl and ladle gumbo over.

Serves 8.