My pantry could be used as a test for culinary knowledge. There are loads of various spices, herbs, oils, sugars, flours, leavening agents and dried fruits. Many times, my husband has asked, “Where is ...

Editor’s Note: The Historic New Orleans Collection and The New Orleans Advocate present this occasional series looking back on the people, events and traditions that have shaped the Crescent City. The ...

Try it: File (FEE-lay) powder is prized for its woodsy flavoring and for its thickening properties in gumbo, soups and stews. Some glean a hint of thyme in its flavor. File powder is an important ...

Filé powder has been used by cooks in the Louisiana region for centuries. Filé is the ground leaf of the sassafras tree, Sassafras albidum, a member of the laurel family. Native to North America, the ...

Q–Can you tell me where to find file powder? –Willie Lumford, Chicago. Q–File (pronounced FEE-lay) powder, made from dried leaves of the sassafras plant, is most often used in Creole cooking, ...

This seasoning, made from dried and ground sassafras leaves, is used to thicken gumbos and adds a distinct Creole flavor. It is added at the end of cooking because it can become harsh-tasting or ...