Fried Parsley in Bread Bouquets

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Cut the parsley into long sprigs of equal length. Be sure there is no surface moisture on them or they will spit nastily when they hit the hot oil.

2. Step 2

   Using a clean coping saw or other small, fine saw, cut the bread sticks into ¾-inch lengths. Keep cutting until you have about twice as many sections as you have plates to garnish.

3. Step 3

   Holding a ¼-inch twist drill with your fingers, carefully drill out the center of each bread section so that it becomes a miniature "neckerchief slide."

4. Step 4

   Carefully insert the stems of a few parsley sprigs in each "slide" using as many sprigs as you need to make a snug-fitting bouquet of them.

5. Step 5

   To fry, simply drop these bouquets, a few at a time, into hot (370-degree) oil for about 10 seconds. Remove, drain, salt and serve as a garnish.