Off the Shelf
Filé powder adds flavor to gumbos

The ground up dried leaves of the sassafras tree impart a root-beerish flavor to gumbos and other Creole dishes found in New Orleans. According to Sharon Tyler Herbst's "New Food Lover's Companion" (Barron's, $14.95), the Choctaw Indians from the Louisiana bayou country are said to have been the first users of this seasoning.

When using filé powder, it must be stirred into a dish after it is removed from the heat. Otherwise, the filé will become tough and stringy. Like other herbs and spices, filé should be stored in a cool, dark part of your kitchen.