Reply #6: bite the bullet, call the pros...in the meantime... [View All]

[I AM SPARTACUS]

when life gives ya leeks, make soup...

...put the pot on and call some friends...

http://www.recipezaar.com/47193?path=00D059
Potato & Leek Soup#47193
by Stephanie Colado (see my other recipes) posted on Nov 20, 2002
(4reviews)

This has been a family favorite for years. I used to make a big pot and my friends would all come over for a bowl!

4 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 medium leeks or onions, chopped
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and sliced
3 cups milk
5 1/2 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds or celery salt (don’t worry if you have neither)
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup light cream
salt & freshly ground black pepper


Thickener
4 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons cold water


Garnishes
1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
6 slices lean bacon, crisply fried and chopped or crumbled
1. In a 6 to 8 quart stockpot melt the butter and gently cook the leeks or onions, being careful not to let the leek or onion brown.
2. Add the peeled and sliced potatoes, the milk, the stock,& the herbs.
3. Cover and simmer gently for about an hour or until potatoes are completely cooked through.
4. Stir together cornstarch and water.
5. Mix thoroughly.
6. Add to soup, stirring contantly to avoid lumping.
7. Cook for 5-10 minutes more, stirring occasionally, then puree the soup.
8. Add the cream and gently heat, but do not boil.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Serve with garnishes.