And though Eliza was writing from Pennsylvania, her recipe for Filet Gumbo called for powdered sassafras and sweet-marjoram leaves. Eliza instructs her readers to “Cut up a pair of fine plump ...

And though Eliza was writing from Pennsylvania, her recipe for Filet Gumbo called for powdered sassafras and sweet-marjoram leaves. But something is a bit off in her filet gumbo recipe from 1846.

Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan and gently lay the catfish in, laying the grated onion on top of the fillets. Fry for about 4 minutes on each side, then place on top of the gumbo ...