Don’t Throw Out The Cilantro

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The other day, I was going through my spice cabinet, looking for cinnamon. I knew I had it in there somewhere. I use it quite often; and had just bought some a few weeks ago. As I was searching for the cinnamon, I kept finding the oddest spices that I didn’t even remember buying- even cilantro- and I don’t even like cilantro!! I thought to myself, ‘Why the hell do I even have this in here? I should just throw it out.’ But I caught myself before I did.

You see, with the little 1oz bottle in hand, I began to realize that even though this little bottle isn’t my “go-to” spice; and even though it may not be useful to me at this very moment, that this little bottle holds a lot of value (and not just the $2.99 I paid for it). This little spice is just as valuable as the cinnamon. It is even just as valuable as Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning!!! I know, I know, if you’ve ever eaten anything I cook, you know how much I value my Tony’s. I put it on EVERYTHING!! But, this bottle of cilantro is just as valuable, in it’s own right. For the life of me, the guilt of not realizing its true worth; and not allowing use of it in more recipes that call for cilantro really got to me. I need to branch out more in the culinary sense. I just couldn’t throw it out.

If you think about it, we often treat people like cilantro. Because we don’t have a day-to-day interaction with them; or because we don’t really understand their worth, we will easily just throw them out, discard them. Life is a lot easier when your circle is small and everyone in it looks and thinks and acts the same. It is a safe feeling when you have the same tried-and-true friends that go with everything you do- like that handy bottle of Tony’s. Yeah, it’s great alright; but it’s also a beautiful thing when you can see the value of the other spices of life too.

This world is one big gumbo of humanity. Each person adds something to the pot. Each one alone is not necessarily appreciated; but without it in the mix, life just isn’t quite the same. We need the wild and crazy people in our lives to keep things spicy. We need the sensitive ones to remind us to be compassionate. We need the conservatives to keep us grounded. We need the liberals to give us hope and innovation. We need the artists to remind us of the beauty that surrounds us. We need the accountants to keep us in check. Each race, religion and sexuality should be appreciated for what it brings to the world; even if they don’t serve a purpose in our day-to-day life. The Jewish family traditions are so beautiful and touching. The Catholic ceremonies can touch your soul. A Baptist church choir can move mountains and the coldest of hearts. And no one can tell a story better than our own Presbyterian preacher, Bro. Wiman.

If it weren’t for the Hispanic Americans that immigrated here, seeking a better life, we would never have Cinco de Mayo or Taco Tuesday. The British invasion gave us the Beatles. I had the distinct pleasure of being mentored by a Japanese American for almost ten years; and the culture, quiet strength and work ethic she shared with me will always have a great value in my heart. The triumph and continual endeavor of the African American community should inspire every walk of life. The LGBT community’s tenacious spirit for love and equality can bring a spark to any soul. Each and every one of these things can and SHOULD be appreciated by ALL walks of life and never be discarded.

In nature, a cat and dog hate one another. Outside my household, that rings true for both my cat and my dogs. My dogs will bark and chase other cats; and my cat will run from other dogs. But within these walls, they have all learned to love and appreciate each other as brothers and sister. When Teddy (my transgender dog- that’s another story for another time) sees Nala (my cat); she sees her brother. She doesn’t see him as being different from her. When Nala sees Jasper (my lab) he sees his brother. As humans, we all live under the same heavens/the same roof. We should also see one another as brother and sister, appreciate one another for what we bring to the pot, and not be so quick to throw out the Cilantro!

Because he is one of my favorite souls; and because a dear friend wanted a good recipe for Southern Mac ‘N Cheese, I am sharing John Legend’s Mac ‘N Cheese Recipe below. (Sorry cilantro…. still not using you today; but you’re still safe in the spice cabinet).

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Stick Unsalted butter
• Salt/Pepper to taste
• 3 Cups elbow macaroni
• 2 (12oz) cans evaporated milk
• 1/3 cup skim milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon season salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 (8oz) pkgs grated extra-sharp cheese
• 1 (8oz) pkg grated Monterey jack cheese
• paprika to sprinkle

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously butter a 13-by-9-inch glass baking dish; set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt and macaroni. Cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain, and return to pot. Add butter, and toss until pasta is coated and butter has melted; set aside.
• Step 2 In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, skim milk, and eggs. Add seasoned salt, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; set aside. In another medium bowl, combine cheeses; set aside.
• Step 3 Place 1/3 macaroni in an even layer in the bottom of prepared baking dish; cover evenly with 1/3 cheese. Repeat with remaining macaroni and cheese mixture. Pour milk mixture evenly over contents of baking dish. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake until top layer is lightly browned, 35 to 45 minutes. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.