Chicken Gumbo - The Local Palate

Ingredients

• 3 whole chickens (about 3 pounds each)
• Mirepoix of 1 celery stalk
• 1 carrot, and 1 onion, chopped
• 4 bay leaves, divided
• 1½ cups vegetable oil
• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups celery, chopped
• 2 cups onion, chopped
• 2 cups green bell peppers
• Salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon creole seasoning
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon bourbon-smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon gumbo filé
• 2 quarts cooked rice
• 1 pound scallions chopped
• 1 bunch Italian parsley, chopped
• Tabasco to taste