I have watched leeks being cleaned a hundred times and, although I really wanted to give them a try, I wasn’t sure I wanted to contend with the sand that is found throughout every layer of the leek. I mean, there is nothing worse than eating something that is gritty – unless you are on a Caribbean Island having a picnic of grilled shrimp or sitting at the oceanside tavern on a barstool sipping on something that requires a little umbrella. But I digress. However, there were some fresh leeks at the store the other day and, since I live on the wild side, I decided that I was going to come to terms with cleaning and preparing them. Nothing to it! There are lots of videos on the internet about cleaning leeks, so I won’t bore you with yet another version. But it is easy, quick, and works just fine. You will be so glad you gave them a chance. Almost as good as peace. But that will take longer. This is one of those soups that just screams cool, fall or winter day when you want the delicious aroma of something good wafting through the house while you start thinking of family, friends, giving thanks and . . . what the heck am I going to get Aunt SarahSue for Christmas! Eek! OK, enough screaming. Here’s the best way to unwind and enjoy a relaxing fall evening while the fire crackles in the fireplace. Oh, and there’s a bonus with this recipe, too. While you can really make this creamy with heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, you can also make this a very tasty, healthy, naturally creamy soup and not miss the extra calories. It’s all up to you! Creamy Potato Leek Parsnip and Celery Soup 3 large Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and diced into 1″ pieces 3 Leeks, rinsed thoroughly and rough chopped 1″ pieces 1 medium Parsnip, peeled and diced into 1″ pieces 1 cup Celery and Celery Leaves, rough chopped 1 minced clove of Garlic 1 tsp fresh ground Black Pepper 4 cups Chicken Broth 1 tsp fresh chopped Thyme* 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (optional or you could use Fat Free Half and Half) 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese (optional) Combine potatoes, leeks, parsnip, celery and leaves, garlic, pepper and chicken broth in large saucepan or stew pot. Bring ingredients to a boil […]
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