She was known far and wide for her gumbo, soups, and stew. Though generous with her recipes, no one could ever quite duplicate the same rich flavors she produced. Of course Mama never, ever burned any part of the roux. How she managed that was the one secret she never gave away: it was a utensil she’d had hand carved with a flattened, slightly sharp edge. That “spoon” left nothing unturned from the bottom of the pot.
Occasionally, Mama even used that same piece of wood on the bottoms of her boys. We were never sure which use was more effective—or which gave rise to its name—but I am proud to have hand crafted one just for you!
