Instructions: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour to make a roux and cook to peanut butter color. Add the onions, celery, bell peppers, salt, pepper, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the water and stir well. Add the Essence, and bay leaves, and reduce the heat to medium. Add the tomatoes, sherry, parsley, and thyme, and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.

Reduce to a simmer, and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens, about 4 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook just until they curl and turn pink, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the green onions and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Serve hot over steamed rice with the Fried Mirliton Strips.

Fried Mirliton Strips: Season the mirliton strips with 1 tablespoon of the Essence. Combine the flour with the remaining tablespoon of Essence in a shallow dish. Dredge the mirlitons in the seasoned flour, shaking to remove any excess.

In a medium pot with high sides, heat the oil to 350 degrees over medium-high heat. Add the mirliton pieces in batches and fry until golden brown, turning with a long-handled spoon, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season lightly with salt. Repeat with the remaining mirlitons, and serve hot.

This recipe yields 4 servings.

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