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.

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

Yield: about 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William Morrow, 1993.

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 F. 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.