Molcajete and Tejolote

This Mexican molcajete (mortar) and tejolote (pestle) set releases more flavor from herbs and spices than when they are puréed in a blender. The word molcajete derives from the Nahuatl word molli, which means “seasoning” or “sauce,” and caxitl, which means “bowl.” Tejolote is also from two Nahuatl words, tetl, or “stone,” and xolotl, or “doll.” Usually made from porous volcanic rock, the best molcajetes are made of basalt with the lowest possible sand content. In order to achieve a coarser texture, which is needed for grinding, the basalt is mixed with granite, feldspar, and quartz, creating a hard, rough surface.