Turtle Stew

3 lbs turtle meat
3½ qts water
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 branch celery, finely chopped
¼ bay leaf
2 sprigs parsley
6 cloves
1 tsp sugar
1 cup canned tomatoes
1 tbsp salt
½ tsp whole black peppers
3 tbsp butter

Wipe meat clean with a damp cloth
Cut meat from bones and add bones and gristle to water in a kettle
Add the remaining ingredients except butter
heat to boiling reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 hr
Strain and discard vegetables and bones
Meanwhile cut turtle meat in small dice, about ¾-inch
brown slowly in the butter until cubes are golden brown on all sides
Add browned meat and any remaining drippings to the strained broth
heat to boiling
reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 min until a rich flavor is developed in broth and the turtle meat is done
Do not overcook
Add more salt and pepper if needed
Serve piping hot