The Universal Importance of Parsley

Are you a Martha fan or a Rachel fanatic?

In the university town where I live, most people won’t even admit to watching television – let alone daytime television. But, culinary newbie that I am, I don’t mind saying that yes, I occasionally watch these ladies unveil their appetizer recipes and cheese platter presentation secrets.

As Martha is so fond of saying, “It’s a good thing.”

Many viewers (and probably even more non-viewers) have a love-hate relationship with these two. There are entire online communities devoted to making fun of Martha’s ponchos and ridiculing Rachel Ray’s … well, everything about her.

Obviously, though, both of these icons are onto something: they make a fortune doing things that most of us do every day (without a team to handle hair and makeup) – cooking, cleaning and chatting.

This morning on Martha’s show, folks in the studio audience had the chance to ask Martha for advice. One woman asked, “If I could plant only one herb, what should I plant?” Martha, seeming incredulous that anyone would limit herb-growing to just one pot of seedlings, mentioned the universal importance of parsley.

I have to say, beyond basic elements (air, water) and huge concepts (God, peace, karma) I don’t think I’ve ever made a statement about the universal importance of anything – let alone parsley.

Who else on Earth but Martha could get away with using the phrase, “The universal importance of parsley”?

When I finished laughing, I made my grocery list, including the universally significant parsley. I’ll be adding it here and there to everything I cook this week. And hey, if all else fails, “The universal importance of parsley” would make a great name for a blog.

Until next time,

Conna