When you’re making a roux, you are combining butter and flour to thicken sauces and create deliciously rich consistencies.

But my stepdad didn't really have any hard rules until he made a mistake that made us all adopt one that can't be ignored—you can cheat on everything but the roux. (More about that later.) Making ...

Every spring, my grandfather would announce his annual gumbo party, and our family would gather for the Cajun-inspired feast.

One particularly prolific season for greens, they shared a Gumbo z’Herbes recipe that has since become a family favorite.

Gumbo was born in Louisiana. The rich stew is iconic, while also being deeply personal to each chef. And love of Gumbo is ...