Chicken Gumbo

I'm glad I wrote down my ingredients and measurements when I made this.  Talk about YUMMY!  This recipe makes a dutch oven full, so there is plenty left to put in the freezer for winter lunches.

Chicken Gumbo

28 oz can diced tomatos

3 ribs celery diced

1 medium onion chopped

6 oz can tomato paste

16 oz pkg frozen okra

2-3 tsp salt (or to your taste)

1 tsp pepper

1/8 tsp garlic powder

3 T basil

1/4 c bacon drippings

2 tsp creole seasoning (or to your taste)

2 c water

2-3 skinless chicken breasts, boiled and cubed

3/4 c uncooked rice - measure then prepare according to package directions

Prepare rice according to directions and set aside.

Prepare chicken and set aside.

Mix all ingredients except rice and chicken in dutch oven and cook over medium heat 45 minutes or until cooked down. Add prepared chicken and prepared rice.  Mix well.  Cook over low heat another 30 minutes stirring frequently so rice doesn't stick.  For slow cooker, cook on high for 4 hrs., then add chicken and rice and cook on low for 2 hrs.