Maine Shrimp Creole

6 servings.

1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup green pepper, chopped
3 cups thinly sliced celery
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 bay leaves
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 lbs raw Maine shrimp
3 cups hot cooked rice

Melt the butter in a large skillet; add onion, garlic, green pepper and celery. Cook uncovered over low heat until tender (about 15 minutes). Add tomatoes, brown sugar, salt, pepper and bay leaves; simmer for 15 minutes. Add lemon juice and shrimp. Cover and simmer about 6 minutes (until shrimp are cooked) stirring after about 3 minutes.

Serve over hot rice.

Notes: Do not over cook the shrimp!