(Little Malice) wrote:
> Andy <g> said:
> > Chatty Cathy said...
>
> > >http://www.recfoodcooking.com/
>
> > > Vote now!
>
> > Incredible co-incidence! I defrosted two cups of gumbo for lunch! Couldn't
> > find the file powder, dammit, but it tasted just as good as the day I made
> > it!
>
> What the heck is "file powder", Andy?

fil? powder [FEE-lay, fih-LAY]
Choctaw Indians from the Louisiana bayou country are said to have been
the first users of this seasoning made from the ground, dried leaves
of the sassafras tree. It's since become an integral part of CREOLE
COOKING and is used to thicken and flavor GUMBOS and other Creole
dishes. Fil? has a woodsy flavor reminiscent of root beer. It must be
stirred into a dish after it's removed from the heat because undue
cooking makes fil? tough and stringy. Fil? powder is available in the
spice or gourmet section of most large supermarkets. As with all
spices, it should be stored in a cool, dark place for no more than 6
months.

? Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc. 1995 based on THE FOOD
LOVER'S COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
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Sheldon