Louisiana Chicken Gumbo

Ingredients:

• 3 Lbchicken
• 4 tablespoons Fat -- butter or bacon fat
• 1 pound Ham -- diced
• 1 medium Onion -- sliced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 quart Hot water
• 2 cups Sliced okra
• 1 Sprig thyme
• 2 Dozen oysters
• 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne
• 1 tablespoon File` -OR-
• 3 tablespoons Sassafras leaves

Preparation:

• Cooked Rice Clean chicken and cut in pieces.
• Saute chicken in fat in heavy frying pan until browned, turning frequently.
• Add ham and onion, and saute for about 10 minutes.
• Add salt and water, bring to a boil, and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours, or until chicken is tender.
• Add okra and thyme, and simmer for 1/2 hour longer, or until okra is tender.
• Remove chicken from bone and return to stock.
• Add oysters and cayenne, and cook until edges of oysters curl.
• Add additional seasoning if needed.
• Just before serving stir in file` or sassafras leaves.
• Serve at once in hot tureen with boiled rice, or serve in hot soup bowls.