The other day I was using up excess end-of-the-season garden goodies to make gumbo and out came the file powder. This thickening agent comes to us via the American sassafras tree.

New Orleans natives like chef Keland McWilliams say it’s just not gumbo without gumbo filé. Find out what it is, and where you can get it, in this reader-inspired story.

Zach Hollier calls his gumbo a "warm hug" and his kolaches a tip of the hat to his home cooking in southeast Texas. Discover the stories behind his food.

TPC Louisiana chef Aaron Picarella shares his best practices for making mouthwatering, Deep-South-style gumbo at home.