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Wednesday, April 7, 2010

For the love of leeks



Just as Julia Child had her staple in the kitchen (butter, butter, and more butter) I've been toying around with what could become my new "Euro-staple." Well, I have found it...and it shall be named leek love.


It all started when my sister came into town and wanted to try a recipe with leeks. I've often seen these weird looking vegetables (are they vegetables?) in the market and in every Swiss person's grocery basket, but I never knew what they were or how to cook them, so of course, I steered away.

So with my sister as my co-chef, we set out to cook these babies to create a leek and potato soup. After a few hours of cooking, we settled in with bowls of warm soup and a baguette fresh out of the oven. Folks, what I encountered was love-at-first-spoonful; these succulent stems pack a punch, yet have a buttery warmth that hits the tongue. Since then, I've made three different recipes with leeks (leek casserole, vegetable soup, etc.) and I plan to continue--hopefully Nathan won't get leeked out!

Now if you would like to partake in the leek-lovin', please be advised that the leek is a "kissing cousin" of the onion and garlic. Therefore, please take necessary precautions:

  1. If there is a chance you may kiss someone after consumption of the leek, make sure the kiss-ee has had a portion of the leek dish as well (two leeky breaths cancel each other out...duh).http://www.nataliedee.com/archives/2009/May/
  2. If you are the one preparing the dish, and if you're anything like me and uncontrollably cry when chopping onions, etc., please wear protective eye-wear.
  3. Be prepared for a slight leek addiction.*

*Don't say I didn't warn you. Bon Appétit!

1 comment:

  1. ummm fabulous! i've never been bold enough to try to cook with them either.. now I will give it a go! Love you tanya!

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