These ingredients exist... why?

[Cranky Dog]

What are your lists of ingredients that just don't seem to have any real purpose in life?

My choices:

Capers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caper): If there is no smoked salmon, will people really eat them? The salmon and accompanying cream cheese overpower the caper's taste so I really don't get this.

Parsley (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsley): The great debate continues, do I eat that bit with the main dish or is it only for looks? Yeah, there are medicinal properties, but for cooking, it's just not my first choice in herbal seasoning.

Edit: Ok, maybe puting this poll in the foodies section wasn't the best place since apparently everyone loves capers and eats them all the time. :rolleyes:


Cranky Dog
"I have a special ingredient opinion, international!"

[COTSBOE]

Can't speak for the Parsley (I find it relatively useless, as well), but I love capers. They've got almost a mild, mustardy taste that goes well with just about any meat and lends a delicate flavor to many sauces. They're also great eaten as a snack (though they do not lend themselves as well to this role as olives).

[Kalzazz]

I like capers and parsley both

Capers are delicious to keep in fridge to eat a few every so often

[Huxley]

I was told over a dinner conversation where Parsley came up that it freshens your breath. That's why they put it there. Any truth to this?

[Cranky Dog]

I was told over a dinner conversation where Parsley came up that it freshens your breath. That's why they put it there. Any truth to this?
Ever heard of parsley flavored toothpaste or mouthwash?

There's your answer. ;)


Cranky Dog
"I have a leafy mouth wash opinion, international!"

[Huxley]

Ever heard of parsley flavored toothpaste or mouthwash?

There's your answer. ;)


Cranky Dog
"I have a leafy mouth wash opinion, international!"

No, I hadn't. I always look at the price tags first, and the register-operator when buying it second. But hey, there's my answer. :) Thanks!

[Cranky Dog]

No, I hadn't. I always look at the price tags first, and the register-operator when buying it second. But hey, there's my answer. :) Thanks!
At first I thought I was cynical, but googling confirmed that they *do* exist.

Now where's my garlic and onion flavored mouthwash?! There's this girl I want to break up with.


Cranky Dog
"I have an oddly flavored mouthwash opinion, international!"

[Amso]

Edit: Ok, maybe puting this poll in the foodies section wasn't the best place since apparently everyone loves capers and eats them all the time. :rolleyes:


I don't think I've ever eaten a caper, and if I have, I didn't know it at the time.

[silverwhisper]

i like capers, you insensitive clod!

although i don't share the foodie obsession w/ sun-dried tomatoes. bleah.

[Kalzazz]

Sun dried tomatoes are a great universal ingredient for your refrigerator, add to hot dogs, ramen, sandwiches, whatever

[TinSoldier]

Throw me into the "I don't think I've ever knowingly eaten a caper" crew.

[Stephane]

Capers?! Man, capers are awesome. I love capers. I'll write up a recipe I use regularly with capers in the sauce. The meal takes a while, because I beat the pork cutlets to tenderize them.

I like Parsley with eggs. I also love tabule.

[Kalzazz]

Whats tabule?

[Stephane]

"salad" made with parsley as a main ingredient.

Sorry, it is Tabbouleh.
http://www.travel-to-lebanon.com/english/food/lebanese-recipes/tabbouleh.htm

[Haze]

Another vote in favour of capers, they're great in salads. Parsley I'm fairly 'meh' about though.

I'm not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes either ed.

[Magnus Bergqvist]

There are different types of parsley iirc. I like the leaf-version (whcih is flat) in certain mediaeval dishes. I do not appreciate the taste of the one with curly leaves. Never liked capers nor sundried tomatoes (I want them fresh).

/Magnus