Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage Gumbo

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced into 1/2 inch thick medallions
• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch thick medallions
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite size pieces
• 2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined (save the shells to make a stock)
• 2 cups cold water
• 1/4 cup creole seasoning, divided (I use Tony Cacheres)
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups onions, small dice
• 1 cup green bell pepper, small dice
• 1 cup celery, small dice
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced (or to taste)
• 8 ounces tomato paste
• 3 bay leaves
• 96 ounces chicken broth
• 1 -2 teaspoon cayenne (more or less to taste)
• 1 bunch scallion, small dice
• cooked long-grain rice (as much as you think you'll need)
• file powder (served on the side)