Spicy Shrimp Creole

Step 1
Heat oil in a Dutch oven on medium heat. Saut? celery, onions, and garlic in the Dutch oven until onions are pearly white and celery has begun to soften.

Step 2
Mix sugar, flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper into the Dutch oven. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, both pieces of bay leaf, and hot sauce. Bring mixture to a boil, then turn the heat to low.

Step 3
Let mixture simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4
Approximately 15 minutes before serving, add shrimp to the pot and stir well. If necessary, raise the temperature to medium-low to ensure Creole is bubbling but not burning. Scoop out bay leaf halves before serving. Serve when shrimp is pink and thoroughly cooked.