Creole Mirliton Pirogues

Ingredients

• 12 mirlitons
• Salt
• Liquid crab boil
• 2 sticks (1/2 pound) unsalted butter
• 4 cups finely chopped onion
• 3 cups finely chopped celery
• ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cups diced ham, preferably Chisesi brand
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 pounds peeled small Gulf shrimp (70 count per pound)
• 1 pound crab claw meat
• 1 1/2 quarts coarse French bread breadcrumbs or stale French bread, crumbled
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 bunch Italian parsley, chopped
• Finely grated zest of 1 small lemon
• 1 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste