PREPARATION:

1. Heat 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add bacon; cook 5 minutes or until brown and crisp. Drain cooked bacon on paper towels; set aside. Remove all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat from skillet.
2. Add oil, onion, celery and garlic to skillet; cook 6 minutes or until onions are tender, stirring often. Sprinkle flour over vegetables; stir to combine.
3. Stir in undrained tomatoes and broth. Crumble reserved bacon into skillet. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer partially covered, 20 to 25 minutes or until thickened, stirring several times.
4. Add shrimp; increase heat to medium-high. Cook 3 to 5 minutes or until shrimp are firm and pink in color. Season with salt and pepper; sprinkle with parsley. Serve with cooked rice or grits, if desired.
5. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick! The shrimp can be seared in a seperate pan and added to the stew after it has thickened, if desired.