This spicy shrimp dish gets its kick from an easy homemade Creole seasoning blend. It's delicious over brown rice.

To prepare the seasoning blend, combine the herbs and spices in a small bowl. Set aside.

In a large saute pan, add oil and heat to medium-high heat. Saute the onions, green pepper and celery until soft and tender, about 8 minutes. Lower heat. Season vegetables with salt and cayenne pepper. Then add tomatoes, garlic and bay leaf. Let simmer about 2 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp and 2 teaspoons of Creole seasoning blend. Mix well. In a small bowl, combine water, flour and tabasco sauce. Pour over the tomato mixture in the saute pan. Add seasoned shrimp to pan and cook until pink and tails curl, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Creole seasoning blend:

• 2 1/4 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme

Creole shrimp:

• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 3 medium chopped tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 20-25 shrimp)
• 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning blend
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Dash of tabasco sauce