As Santos sees it, mortars and pestles are singular. “It is a must-have for every kitchen as a mortar and pestle helps extract flavors out of ingredients in a way that blenders or food ...

And mortars and pestles are a perfect symbol of that," Roberts says. "Because for a home cook who's in a rush, it's like the last thing you'd want to use — it takes much longer.

The mortar and pestle are making a comeback as people remember just how fresh spices can be when ground. Here's how to season your mortar and pestle correctly.

The smallest mortar and pestle I own, a gray-blue marble one with a carrying capacity of a quarter-cup, I acquired many years ago on account of its cuteness.

At the time of its discovery other stone pestles and stone mortars, or bowls, were being unearthed across British New Guinea and German New Guinea.

Chef Dennis Lake of La Taqueria shows Tina Redwine how to make authentic Mexican dishes.

Chef Dennis Lake of La Taqueria shows Tina Redwine how to make authentic Mexican dishes.