John just came back from Louisiana with a roux spoon made of cypress. I had never seen one before– the story goes that a cabinetmaker, Greg Arceneaux, noticed that when he made a specific type of chair, scraps of wood were formed in the perfect shape of a spoon that would help facilitate the making of roux. We do not generally use roux in our cooking but to me it is the perfect mashed potato spoon– the sharp edge helps dislodge the potatoes that stick to the pot. Right now with basil in season I am sure it will be put to good use making lots of basil mashed potatoes. Also I am really excited to know about Greg Arceneaux's work which is based in the traditions of Louisiana Acadian and Creole furniture.