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To all my fellow-foodie blogging friends, yes, I know you'll think I'm daft for referring to these two food items as pure evil, being that most foodies adore them.   

However, I find them spawns of Satan. 

And here's why.


Cilantro


Allow me to start by saying that having spent 20 years living in Florida, many of my friends were/are Latino, which means I've had numerous opportunities to try cilantro because Latinos use it quite frequently in their dishes. In fact, most Latinos consider cilantro as necessary as insulin. And let me add here that I LOVE Spanish food; minus the cilantro.

One of my dear friends who now lives in Texas was born in Puerto Rico and her husband was born in Mexico; both phenomenal cooks. When we all lived in Florida, she and her husband used to have these amazing food gatherings in their beautiful backyard garden, in which they did all the cooking. And oh my God it was heaven because they made everything from scratch. Her husband even made his own tortilla shells. They also grew their own fresh herbs that they would use in their food. 

However, when it came to cilantro, they knew better than to suggest adding it to my food because they were aware of how much I couldn't stand it. And I mean even the teeniest, tinniest amount I couldn't tolerate. 

It's ironic though, because everyone who loves cilantro tells me the same thing, "Oh....you'll grow to love it. But all you need is a little sprinkle, not too much. Trust me, try it again, cilantro is the best!"

And I always say, "Trust me...NO!"

Not only do I detest the taste of cilantro. But I also detest the sound.

Yes, you heard me right...the sound.

Because that's how cilantro tastes to me. Like a sound.

And this is the sound: *press the button


That is exactly how cilantro tastes/sounds to me, as if someone is screaming at the top of their lungs in a high-pitched tone.

So you see, that's why I think it's evil.

It's too damn LOUD.

----------------------------

Now, let's move on to:

Onion


Let me be clear and say that it's not necessarily the taste of onion I find evil because I enjoy the flavor, as long as it's subliminal and not overpowering the food. I don't like eating food that is smothered in onions so that you're biting into chunks. Oh, no, no, no!

You see, the primary reason I don't like onion is because of its aroma, which never goes away. 

It's an aroma that even if you get just a microscopic amount on your fingers, will stay with you for HOURS on end.  

And I don't care how much you wash your hands, or what cleansing method you use to remove it, including gasoline and a match, the aroma sticks to you like Super Glue. 

Last week I purchased a container of soup ingredients in the produce section at Trader Joe's because I wanted to make pasta fagioli, not realizing that the container included layers of diced carrots, celery, and ONIONS. I didn't notice the onions because it looked as though they were part of the celery layer. However, I did noticed them when I got home and opened the container. But rather than take it back, I decided to carefully (and I mean carefully) scoop out the middle layer of onions. Yet it didn't matter how careful I was because I ended up getting onion on my fingers, which drove me insane for the rest of the day. I even tried squeezing some fresh lemon on my fingers but it didn't work, it only made my fingers smell like lemon onions. It was hopeless, I couldn't de-stink myself. 

So, for the next several hours I kept sniffing my underarms; checking to see if my deodorant was working because let's be honest, that's what onion smells like.

The pits...


Which immediately makes me think of a South Philly Italian hoagie riddled with onions...


So yeah, cilantro and onion are two things I label as Pure Evil.

Because they are loud, stinky, and overstay their welcome. 

Therefore, my idea of the perfect storm would be one in which I was forced to eat a cilantro and red onion combo salad, while simultaneously forced to listen to a recording of Willie Nelson singing, "You Are Always On My Mind."

Because that would be the ultimate torture...


Wishing you a devilishly good week, y'all!
💗



P.S. In case you're interested in making pasta e fagioli during the autumn and winter months, this is where I got the recipe. And let me tell you, it was BEYOND delicious!

36 comments:

  1. Ron, as you know, I'm Latino (Cuban) and I have to be honest and say that I don't like cilantro at all. I know that many do, but not me. I've tried it a few times, but I don't like the intensity. It's almost bitter, and like you said, it tastes like a scream. I never thought of that before, but your right. And I love the graphic of the cilantro giving the finger. LOL!

    I do enjoy onion, but I don't like my food swimming in it. A little bit of onion goes a long way.

    And I will definitely check out the pasta e fagioli recipe because even though I'm Latino, I love Italian food just as much as Spanish food.

    Fun post, Ron! Thanks for the early morning laughs, I needed them. xo

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  2. So, what you’re saying is that you don’t like onions or cilantro? Lol, you crack me up, Ron!! I’m not a fan of cilantro, either. But I order tacos so often when I’m at restaurants that I’ve grown accustomed to the flavor. I take off big globs of it, but I’m okay with a small amount. Now, if we were talking bleu cheese crumbles on a dish, I’d be running and screaming away!

    Onions are fine by me if they are cooked. What I HATE are raw onions on a salad or sandwich. That’s just gross. Who wants that overpowering taste in their mouth for the next 24 hours? Plus, the bad breath! It’s insanity, but I find it happens when I dine out. Now, I specifically ask that they don’t put raw onions on my food.

    I might try to make the pasta dish, but with canned beans. It looks yummy and I think I’ve only had it once before. Hope you’re having a beautiful Autumn week! XO

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  3. "the perfect storm would be one in which I was forced to eat a cilantro and red onion combo salad, while simultaneously forced to listen to a recording of Willie Nelson singing, "You Are Always On My Mind."

    Ron, this post is so damn funny! And even though I do like cilantro and onion, I agree with you about them being loud if used excessively, particularly cilantro. The scream sound effect was hysterical. The smell of onion does tend to linger. And you're right, it does smell like "the pits."

    I so enjoy your dislike posts. They crack me up!

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  4. I'm with you there on cilantro - some people say it tastes like soap - it's just nasty I say. They use cilantro in Thai food as well...so sad because I like Thai food (for the most part). I rather like onions, raw or sauteed to creamy goodness but yes, the smell - before and after - not so much.

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  5. This was a fun food post, Ron, as others have commented. I am not a huge fan of using cilantro, but keep the dried version among my herbs and spices. My husband likes to buy the fresh variety, but with only 2 people in the house, it never gets all used up before it has to be tossed out. He likes to make guacamole and prefers the fresh cilantro, me not so much. The ONLY way I can stand onions is to chop them and sauté or cook when preparing a dish, never raw and always request they be removed from salads, burgers, etc. But, I really like good, onion rings only if made using fresh onions and lightly battered, go figure.
    I grew up enjoying homemade pasta e fagiola as this pasta & beans dish which was a basic food group in my home, escarole and beans was another. My mother never used any recipe as I recall but both sets of grandparents immigrated from Italy so recipes were passed down. I have only made it a few times, and now is the perfect time of year to make it again along with a loaf of homemade, crusty bread. Thanks for the link to Laura's kitchen. I plan to watch some of her other cooking videos as well.

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  6. LOL! Well, tell us how you really feel about it!! I think most people either love cilantro or hate cilantro. I'm not a fan of it in large doses either. I do like onions....in moderation. And, I like sweet Vidalia onions as they are not so overpowering. But, you are correct in that when it gets on your skin, it stays a loooonnggg time! Entrepreneur loves sauerkraut and I abhor the smell. Talk about lingering for hours........Hope you have a lovely.....cilantro and onion free....day. X

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  7. Hola Denise!

    Thank you for sharing that because I've know very few Latinos that don't care for cilantro. And yes, it has an intensely bitter taste. Some say it has a "soapy" taste, which I can see because it does. And perhaps that's why I find it offensive and loud.

    Ha! I found that graphic online and thought it was flawless.

    You feel the same as I do about onion. A little goes a long way. And I don't want to bite into it, I just want to taste its flavor.

    Do check out the recipe because it was sooooooooo delicious! And what I love about it is that it's a very simple recipe. I didn't follow the recipe exactly, I did my own variations on some of the ingredients.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a fantastic week!
    X

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  8. HA! Yes, can you tell about MUCH I don't like onions or cilantro?

    And I hear you because I used to order a vegetable quesadilla from a take-out restaurant in the mall, and if I didn't remind them to do so, they would put cilantro (and a lot) in it, which I ended up picking out.

    NOT a fan of bleu cheese either. And I LOVE cheese, but but there are several I don't care for.

    "What I HATE are raw onions on a salad or sandwich. That’s just gross. Who wants that overpowering taste in their mouth for the next 24 hours? Plus, the bad breath!
    "

    Yes! You stated exactly how I feel. I used to know someone who would actually make onion sandwiches and eat them like that. Ewwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!

    "I might try to make the pasta dish, but with canned beans."


    Yes, I did the same thing, I used canned and it was still delicious! And what I like about this recipe is that it does not use onions. Instead, it uses garlic. And the recipe also gives you the choice of using pancetta or not. I did not. I made a HUGE pot of the pasta e fagioli and had it for two days. I dipped Italian bread in olive oil and then dipped it into the pasta. OMG...it was HEAVENLY!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a beautiful Autumn week as well!

    XO

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  9. Hey there Candice!

    HA! I couldn't resist saying that because I can't stand that song. And coupling it with an cilantro and red onion salad would be torture!

    I found that screaming sound effect on a website and thought it was perfect for how I feel about cilantro.

    Yes, as I shared, I don't mind the flavor of onion, but subliminally, not drenched in it.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Have a grrrrreat week!

    X

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  10. Yes Grace, I've heard other people say the same thing...it tastes like soap! Which is probably why I don't like it and that it sounds like a scream. LOL!

    And you're right because I used to eat at a faaaaaabulous Thai restaurant in Orlando, Florida and they did use cilantro in many of their dishes on the menu.

    I really enjoy the flavor of onion because it enhances the flavor of so many foods, but the smell is so intense and longlasting.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! I know you're Libra like me, so I want to wish you a Happy Birthday. My birthday was Oct 2nd.

    X

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  11. Hi, Ron! Agree totally with you on cilantro. Bleh, yuk, wretch, pleh, ick!!! As for onions... I don't like the red ones, tooooo strong. LOVE the sweet vidalia variety though. Not that they are sweet... but much better than other ones. I like scallions a lot, too! Both of which I'm out of right now... horrors! Sometimes I make a cheese sandwich with a roll, lettuce, cheese, and ONIONS! But the smell, yeah, there is that... and even the sweets ones are pretty tangy raw so they aren't so much fun to burp up later on. haha Sauteed in olive oil though... I could eat them that way all the time, with everything.

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  12. Ron, you make me laugh! I'm not a big fan of either cilantro or onion. I guess both are okay in tiny measures, but too often, folks who like it use too much, and it overstays its welcome.


    I've read that you can rid your hands of onion scent by rubbing them under cold water with a stainless steel spoon. Seriously! Here's the link (and let me know if it works because I haven't tried it, okay?!): https://food52.com/blog/22829-get-rid-of-onion-smell


    Happy new week to you! xx

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  13. Happy Belated Birthday, dear sir 🎉 🎶

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  14. Have a faaaaaaaaabulous birthday!

    And thank you. I turned 65 on the 2nd. One of my close friends in Jersey turned 80 on the 11th.

    Cheers to Libras!

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  15. Hey there D!

    I bet the dry version is much more mild than the fresh. Wow...I didn't even know they made a dry version of cilantro?!

    "he ONLY way I can stand onions is to chop them and sauté or cook when preparing a dish, never raw and always request they be removed from salads, burgers, etc. But, I really like good, onion rings only if made using fresh onions and lightly battered, go figure."


    Yes to all of that! As I said, I really enjoy the taste of onion, just not texture when its raw. It's way too strong. Onion rings I don't mind either because the onion is soft, with a crispy outside.

    "I grew up enjoying homemade pasta e fagiola as this pasta & beans dish which was a basic food group in my home, escarole and beans was another.'

    OMG...meeeee too! Growing up Italian, those things were considered staples. My father used to make "the" most delicious escarole and beans. Heavenly! He also made the best meatballs.

    " ....and now is the perfect time of year to make it again along with a loaf of homemade, crusty bread. Thanks for the link to Laura's kitchen. I plan to watch some of her other cooking videos as well."

    OMG, yes! The perfect time of year. And it's funny you mentioned crusty bread because I ate the pasta e fagioli with bread dipped in olive oil. AMAZING!

    Do check out her recipes because she has a lot of really good ones. She's from Italy; therefore her recipes are authentic.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing, my friend. Always enjoyed! And I LOVED your recent post!

    X

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  16. HA! You think?

    And you're right, Lisa, I think people either love cilantro or hate it.

    I prefer the sweeter onions as well, because as you said, they don't seem to be as overpowering. As I shared, I enjoy the flavor of onion, just so long as it's not raw and ladened in a recipe.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  17. Hellooooooooooo there Mary!

    " Bleh, yuk, wretch, pleh, ick!!!"

    Ha!...my sentiments exactly!

    I too prefer sweeter onions because the flavor is not overpowering.

    Now scallions I like; especially when they're in soups. I also like them lightly sprinkled in salads. Scallions are great because they're a lighter version of an onion.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Hope you're enjoy the Fall and having a superb week!

    X

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  18. OMG Debbie...thank you SO MUCH for sharing the link! I went over and read it, and I am definitely going to try it the next time I get onion on me. It sounds much better than using gasoline and a match. LOL!

    Yes, cilantro is pretty much a love/hate thing. I attempted to try it several times, however, I finally realized...NO!!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And again, thanks for the link. I'm going to bookmark it.

    Have a grrrrrreat week!

    X

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  19. Me too, Ron. Whenever I try a new recipe, I usually vary it to suit my own taste. Can't wait to check out all her recipes. Thanks again!

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  20. You are so welcome! I found her recipes on You Tube. But she also has a website where you can download them.

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  21. I do the same, Ron. Whenever I try a new recipe, I usually vary it to suit my own taste. Can't wait to check out all her recipes. Thanks again! x

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  22. You are so welcome, Denise! I found her recipes on You Tube. But she also has a website where you can download them.

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  23. "...little things I should have said and done, I just never took the time..."

    Oops, sorry, Ron, I was momentarily possessed by the spirit of Willie Nelson--and he ain't even dead yet!

    Anyhow, this was a hilarious post. You certainly don't hold back on your feelings about food--or anything else--and that's why you're the Ronnie we all know and love.

    Not big on cilantro myself, but I do love my onions, and I put them on everything but my cornflakes.

    But you make an excellent point about overpowering the meal. Onions should only enhance the flavor, not be the flavor!

    As far as the smell, well, who cares? We're all in lockdown, you're lucky I bother to put pants on. (Or did I...?)

    Great job, buddy, as always! And if I made you feel second best, girl, I'm sorry I was blind...

    Oh, no, Willie's back! Hand me the cilantro!

    Take care...

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  24. "...little things I should have said and done, I just never took the time...
    Oops, sorry, Ron, I was momentarily possessed by the spirit of Willie Nelson--and he ain't even dead yet!"


    OMG Rob, that cracked me the hell up! You are so funny!

    Yup...didn't hold back my feels at all, did I? LOL!

    I'm surprised how many people here said that they aren't a fan of cilantro because I honestly thought I was the only one because the majority of people seem to LOVE it. Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks it's EVIL.

    I know, my mother loved onions as well. She made an amazing potato salad during the summer months and would use TONS of onion. And there I was...picking them all out...and eating everything else.

    "As far as the smell, well, who cares? We're all in lockdown, you're lucky I bother to put pants on. (Or did I...?)"


    HA! Good point!!!

    "And if I made you feel second best, girl, I'm sorry I was blind...Oh, no, Willie's back! Hand me the cilantro!"

    Bwhahahahahahaha! That was BRILLIANT!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your humor. Enjoyed it!

    Have a great rest of your week, buddy!

    X

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  25. Well, Ron, we've had a great 10-year run at blogging friendship, but I'm sorry to say it must now come to an end.

    Ha...kidding! But I do love both cilantro and onions. In fact, onions are such a part of my life, my parents have always grilled potential love interests for me and my brother. If they don't like onions, they are barred from the family. Oh, you think I'm kidding, but this is 100 percent true. My parents are such onion aficionados ("aficionionados"?), they order onion pizzas and make onion pies...and wouldn't dream of grilling chicken or steak without also grilling sliced onions wrapped in aluminum foil.

    That's okay; I hate watermelon, and that has made people threaten to unfriend ME. To each their own!

    How do you feel about garlic??

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  26. OMG, Mark, I KNEW, KNEW, KNEW you most likely loved both cilantro and onions. I KNEW it! And probably because I've heard you mentioned them in several blog posts when you've shared about food.

    That's okay, we can still be friends, while agreeing to disagree on these two food items.

    "...my parents have always grilled potential love interests for me and my brother. If they don't like onions, they are barred from the family."

    Wow...now that's some intense passion for onions! Ha!

    My parents loved onions as well; particularly my mother. She ADORED them! My father too, but he was more like me. He enjoyed them in his food, but not raw, like, say, on a hamburger.

    "That's okay; I hate watermelon, and that has made people threaten to unfriend ME. To each their own!"

    I love watermelon, however, I have to be honest and say that over the past 2-3 years, I haven't had a REALLY good piece of sweet watermelon. It's been bland and either really mushy or hard as a rock. YUCK!

    YES!......I love garlic more than my own life! And I used it in a lot of my food; particularly Italian. I put it in soups, pasta dishes, even on Italian bread dipped in olive oil!

    I used to think I was a vampire. However, the way I love garlic, I can't be. HA!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaabulous rest of your week eating cilantro and onions!

    X to you and Tara

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  27. Ron, you are so frickin' hilarious! My girlfriend and I both read this post and laugh our asses off. Boy, you really don't like cilantro and onions, hu? LOL!

    Okay, so my girlfriend and I differ on these two things. She loves cilantro and I cant stand it. I love onions and she hates them. the way you described (the sound) of cilantro made me laugh because it perfectly describes how I feel. It's too damn LOUD!

    And your mention of Willie Nelson singing that song was so funny. Torture indeed!

    You always entertain us, dude! And thank you!

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  28. Hiya Matt!

    Yeah, can you tell how much I can't stand the two? HA!

    OMG, that is so funny about you and your girlfriend. Well, we can't all love the same things, right? I swear to God, the times that I tried cilantro, that is exactly how it tasted to me....like a SCREAM. And my friend in Florida used to grow it in her garden because she and her husband cooked with it all the time. Whenever I would eat at their house, they would always put the cilantro on the side and allow people to use it if they wished.

    I remember hearing that Willie Nelson song back in the 80's and NEVER liking it.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an awesome rest of your week!

    X

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  29. Ron, we must be kindred spirits because I feel the same about cilantro and onion. This post cracked me up. You should consider writing a food blog entitled, "Evil Ingredients by Ron." LOL!

    Thanks for your humor!

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  30. Daniel, I LOVE your title for a food blog!!!! And perhaps I could even have my own YouTube channel!

    Happy to hear you feel the same about the two!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, pal. Have a great rest of your weekend!
    X

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  31. Sorry I'm late to the party, Ron, my hubby and I were away on a little excursion. Oh my god, we laughed are behinds off at this post! The scream was hysterical and so perfect for how I (we) both feel about cilantro. The photo is hysterical too. Now, we're both onion lovers, however, never raw. We like them sauteed. And we love onion rings as well. I agree with you about the smell, it lingers. And the Italian hoagie reference made me laugh because it's true.

    Curious, do you like garlic?

    Thanks for the laughter you always bring to us. You are such a funny man! xo

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  32. Helloooooooooooo there, Elaine!

    No worries, my friend! Hope you and your husband had a fun excursion!

    The photo and scream sound were such a great find because they expressed exactly how I feel about cilantro....EVIL and LOUD! LOL!

    OMG...yes...absolutely....I LOVE garlic! In fact, I steamed some fresh asparagus tonight for dinner and then drizzled it with chopped garlic and tomatoes. It was HEAVEN! I could eat garlic on everything.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. Have a faaaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  33. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comTuesday, October 20, 2020

    You crack me up!!! I like both cilantro and onion... but please don't judge.... :-)

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  34. No judgement at all, my friend! :)

    I know many other who love them both as well. Sometimes I think "I'm" in the minority.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Fiona! Hope you're having a faaaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  35. Well, I agree with you on one and not the other. Cilantro is indeed the devil's herb. It taste absolutely foul to me. And smells disgusting, too. It ruins the dish for me even if there's only a tiny bit in it.

    Onions I'm mixed on - I loathe them raw. I don't understand how anyone eats slices of raw onions on things. Or chives. Ugh. BUT. I do love cooked onions as long as they have been thoroughly cooked. Preferably sweet onions that have been caramelized. And there is something wonderful to me about the smell of onions and garlic being sautéed together in olive oil.

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  36. " Cilantro is indeed the devil's herb."

    OMG...I LOVE that!!!! And yes you're right, it ruins the dish even if there's only a tiny bit in it because it's so potent. I agree with you, it smells awful as well!

    " I loathe them raw. I don't understand how anyone eats slices of raw onions on things. Or chives. Ugh
    ."

    I know, me neither. I can't comprehend that!? Yet, I know people who can literally take slices of raw onion and pop them into their mouth. YUCK@#!?#?@*

    As I shared, I do like the flavor that onions give to food because it does enhance it. It's just that I don't like things smothered in them.

    And you mentioned garlic. Ooooooo! Now, garlic I LOVE. And it's odd because garlic has a strong taste and smell like onions, yet it doesn't bother me. In fact, I could eat CLOVES of garlic.

    X

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