If you mix equal parts starch and fat, heat the mixture on the stovetop, and keep stirring until it turns into a beautiful, deep brown and takes on a nutty aroma, you'll have cooked the indispensable ...

, all variations on the standard roux method of standing, stirring, stirring, stirring for a half-hour or an hour until the roux is the right color. She and husband Dave demonstrated the stove-top ...