Judy Mayfield-Scott’s custom designed kitchen features state-of-the-art appliances and has a “strawberries and cream” theme. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
She’s a serious cook and football fan with two great kitchens
It’s the dream of all serious cooks — an up-to-date kitchen that works as hard as they do. One such culinary center wasn’t enough for Judy Mayfield-Scott, however, so her Friendswood home now includes two: a sophisticated red and white main kitchen and a more casual, but equally well-equipped “summer kitchen” adjacent to the outdoor pool area.
“Cooking is a major focus in my life, but I have other interests as well, and I needed a kitchen that could accommodate those, too,” she said. “I have six children and 11 grandchildren; I enjoy watching cooking and home improvement shows; and I am a major football fan, too.”
Viking appliances, including this massive refrigerator, are featured prominently throughout Judy Mayfield-Scott’s Friendswood kitchen. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Completed in 2009, the main kitchen’s most recent remodel was not a first for Mayfield-Scott and her husband, Jimmie Scott.
Their kitchen has undergone a major makeover about every 10 years. This time, however, the couple decided it would be the last.
“We’ve been in this home for 38 years, and we intend to stay here as long as we can,’” Mayfield-Scott said. “As part of planning for our golden years, we wanted to ensure this kitchen remodeling would accommodate not only our ‘wants’ of the present, but also our needs for the future.”
Working with Randy Godeau of Bay Area Kitchens, Mayfield-Scott soon was exploring the possibilities for that future.
“As part of the discussion at one of our first meetings, I asked her to describe her vision for this ultimate new kitchen,” Godeau said. “She thought for a moment or two, then answered simply, ‘strawberries and cream.’”
True to that vision, an array of shiny red Viking brand appliances today is set amid off-white, Wood-Mode cabinetry. Wood-Mode is the “Rolls-Royce” of cabinetry, Mayfield-Scott said.
“These cabinets not only have a lifetime guarantee, the drawers and cabinet doors are designed so that they close themselves automatically — something my husband never does, ” she said.
Judy Mayfield-Scott’s outdoor summer kitchen features Houston Texans memorabilia. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
In addition to a six-burner stove and massive refrigerator, the main kitchen’s state-of-the-art appliances include warming drawers and a separate, oversized burner designed for wok cookery, but used by Mayfield-Scott for the huge, multi-gallon pots she uses for her celebrated gumbo. Three dishwashers include a red Viking model and a “dishwasher in a drawer” combination model by Fisher & Paykel that’s completely concealed behind wood cabinetry, but rolls out easily at the touch of a finger.
Other innovative features include pop-up electrical outlets that rise from a massive, gold-flecked granite counter top and an innovative Viking steamer Mayfield-Scott describes as the “appliance of the future” and a healthier alternative to the microwave.
Elsewhere, the “strawberries and cream” color palette is continued in hand appliances, accessories and decorative items, such as a motion-operated paper towel dispenser and a vintage wall-hung pay phone converted into a bank. A cozy seating area with fireplace and big-screen TV adjoins a breakfast and bar area, also in red and white.
The summer kitchen features heavy duty stainless steel cooking appliances. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Moving from the main kitchen across the patio to the home’s “summer kitchen,” Mayfield-Scott’s color scheme changes to red, white and blue, the colors for the Houston Texans football team.
A lifelong football fan, Mayfield-Scott was a season ticket holder even back in the “Luv Ya Blue” era of the Houston Oilers. That same dedication for Houston’s hometown team continues today, as evidenced by an assortment of signed Texans football jerseys in shadowbox frames, a colorful counterpoint to an L-shaped arrangement of heavy duty stainless steel cooking appliances similar to those in the main kitchen. A large-screen TV hovers over a cozy fireplace and seating area, and nearby tables and bar stools feature Texans-themed accessories and upholstery.
“I guess you could say that I am a football fanatic,” said Mayfield-Scott, who attended the past season’s Super Bowl and Pro Bowl. Her husband, who coaches a private team for elementary-age students, confirms this statement with a smile.
“I’ve never known a woman who loves and knows football like she does,” he said. “Of course, I’ve never known a woman who could cook like she does either.”
Judy’s Gumbo
Although Judy Mayfield-Scott maintains she doesn’t usually use recipes and never shares all her secrets, she did give Coast Monthly some general guidance on how to make her acclaimed gumbo. This makes a large amount, so be sure you have a super-size pot ready before you start.
INGREDIENTS
Judy Mayfield-Scott’s gumbo comes from a family recipe taught to her by her mother. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
5 pounds medium uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound lump crab meat
6 to 7 fresh blue crabs, broken in half
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup salted butter (1 stick)
4 (10-ounce) bags frozen Pictsweet Seasoning Blend
1 (6-ounce) jar whole peeled garlic, chopped in small pieces
2 (14-ounce) packages Chappell Hill garlic-flavored link sausage, sliced into quarter-size pieces
2 (14-ounce) packages Chappell Hill jalapeño-flavored link sausage, sliced into quarter-size pieces
6 (48-ounce) boxes Swanson chicken broth
2 dried bay leaves
3 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with chilies, such as RoTel brand original style
1 (1.25-ounce) bottle Zatarain’s pure ground gumbo file powder
Seasonings to taste: Accent, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, Season-All
1 (28-ounce) bag Pictsweet frozen cut okra
White rice, cooked
Crackers
DIRECTIONS
To prepare seafood:
Clean and/or devein seafood as required and set aside in cool place or on ice.
To make roux:
Spread dry flour in heavy skillet and bake in 350 F oven for about 3 hours or until golden brown. Do not add any fat, shortening or oil. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.
To assemble gumbo:
Melt butter in a large pot and sauté Pictsweet seasoning blend and garlic until soft. Add sausage slices to pot, cover and let cook about 5 minutes.
Add chicken broth, bay leaves and tomatoes with chilies and bring to a boil. Add roux base (browned flour) and mix to blend thoroughly. (More or less roux and/or broth can be added, according to personal preference.) Add file powder and other seasonings according to taste. Mix well, then add crabs, cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes.
At this point, Mayfield-Scott recommends that you taste the mixture again and correct for seasoning, then add shrimp and okra and cook for 10 more minutes over medium heat until okra has just started to turn tender, but remains firm and isn’t soft. Add lump crab meat and cook about 15 more minutes. Remove from heat and serve alone or over white rice with crackers.
Serves a hungry crowd.
What an amazing article. Awesome kitchen!
What an awesome indoor and outdoor kitchen. Beautiful !The gumbo is awesome!
#2 daughter says (Paula Bausley), That’s My Mama. “It ain’t never simple with the Mayfield-Scott family.” You just gotta love her for her family oriented life-style. And the Gumbo, a family, ex-tended Family and friends favorite. Way Too Go Mom!!!! Love Ya,
I have always admired this couple. Judy makes the best gumbo ever. She and her family are so compassionate and warm. Her taste for decorating is great. Her home is just beautiful.
Way to go Judy… Way to go!
A great Lady with great Tastes – culinary and decor. And, don’t get us started on her welcoming spirit. That’s our Judy. We expect “nothing” less.
John and Jo Ann (eagerly awaiting our next invite!)
Way to go Judy… Way to go!
A great Lady with great Tastes – culinary and decor. And, don’t get us started on her welcoming spirit. That’s our Judy. We expect “nothing” less.
John and Jo Ann (eagerly awaiting our next invite!)
It’s always a joy to sit in my mom’s indoor/outdoor kitchen, and whenever friends and family are invited they expect a BIG pot of gumbo sitting on the stove, and her famous banana pudding on the counter.
If you like gumbo, I suggest you keep my mom’s recipe in a safe place. I am so fortunate that I stood in the kitchen by my mom’s side many times and learned how to make her gumbo without a recipe, next is learning how to make her famous banana pudding?
Thanks Mom and I Love You!
Great article. This article articulates a very small depiction of Mrs. Mayfield-Scott and what she represents. She has exquisite taste and class in everything she touches. I admire that she shared her vision of her kitchen design to accommodate her future needs for her and her family as well. “Way to go Mrs. Mayfield-Scott.” That is definitely a beautiful kitchen.
Amazing kitchen! That Gumbo looks good too! This was a great read and a phenomenal woman!
Congrats Mrs. Judy Mayfield Scott, beautiful kitchen and summer kitchen, very impressive.
An invitation to the Scott’s home is always a memorable occasion.
Judy you are such a gracious hostess.
Great Lady who loves to cook and entertain family and friends. Her kitchens are to die for, just beautiful.
Excellent job Mr and Mrs Scott.
GORGEOUS KITCHENS, IT REPRESENTS THE QUALITY OF YOU. THANKS FOR SHARING
Thank you Coast Monthly “Dream Team” for showcasing a snippet about Judy Mayfield Scott BEAUTIFUL kitchen. The indoor kitchen is fabulous! I LOVE the red decor and everything about the kitchen.The outdoor kitchen is just as fabulous! I love our very own Houston Texans memorabilia decor! A TRUE football fanatic she is! Lastly, the gumbo…perfection!
The kitchen is amazing and the gumbo which I’ve had, she would sometimes surprise the teacher at KSA her home is warm and wonderful all I can say in closing she is an amazing woman and I am proud to have met her as well as worked with and for her many years very deserving much love
Your kitchen is gorgeous. Love it!!
Beautiful pictures of a beautiful lady with exquisite taste. Love the color scheme, it is relaxing and welcoming. The article is well written and painted a true picture of Mrs. Mayfield-Scott who loves to make people happy. The gumbo taste as good as it looks, thank you for the recipe. I plan to cut it out, save and use it.
Excellent article featuring and outstanding woman. Congratulations Mrs Scott. Makes me proud to say I know you.
Yay, Mrs. Scott Congratulations. What A Beautiful Home, You Deserve it ?!!! Miss You
It is SO great to see my former Executive Principal! It all looks amazing! Congratulations Mrs. Scott.
wow this is awesome
Awesome kitchen!!! Awesome lady!!! Congrats on the article!
Beautiful kitchen! !!
Mrs. Mayfield-Scott
Beautiful kitchen! Where’s my invite for gumbo.
WOW, what a DREAM KITCHEN you are an awesome lady! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful kitchen Mrs. Scott
Mrs Judy Mayfield-Scott.
You outdid yourself on this one…Both Kitchen’s are lovely…..
OOOOO and I can taste that GUMBO right now..
Beautiful Kitchen
Beautiful Kitchen
My Aunt Judy, a woman that exudes the epitome class and style. This kitchen is just a reflection of who she is and what she loves to do. Just Amazing!
Beautiful
Yes that is you a beautiful kitchen for a Beautiful Woman
My, My, My, Wow!!!! Simply Gorgeous and Looks Like You are ready to entertain with style. I love it and I am so proud of your feature in such a popular magazine.
My former principal. Your kitchen is beyond AMAZING. You deserve it. ?❤️-Diamond Morales
yes!!!! This kitchen looks amazing!! Mrs. Mayfield-Scott is indeed a great person, we love you,
Nicole, Mrs V and Ri!!!
Love and laughter, joys and even sometimes pain have touched the lives of those who have been blessed to sit in this kitchen! Even though the look of it has changed several times, the love remains the same! ❤️ her. She’s my other mom!!!
Jan
Beautiful. God Bless
Mrs. Mayfield-Scott,
Me-Ma you are so deserving of this tribute for your home and the love has kept us bound through the years and for this I thank you for opening your awesome home and welcoming us all through the years. For our personal pleasure of the times spent with you have bound our love in such a special place that continue to keep us all connected.
congratulations Miss Judy you always been an inspiration to me And truly an angel from above thanks for always being ther you’ll always been a positive role model to so many including me thanks for all that you do love.EJ
This is just GREAT!
Willie Mae Lewis
Very good article. I am a real gumbo lover. I HAVE GOT TO TRY THIS!!!!