As the weather cools down, I start to crave soup. This soup is a slight modification of Emeril's recipe. It makes a nice creamy and hearty soup. You could easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and using vegetable stock instead. I added kale to make it a little more nutritious and to take advantage of the season's offerings. It's a delicious soup on a cold fall day!
Potato, Leek and Kale Soup
Adapted from: www.foodnetwork.com (Emeril Lagasse, 2003)
Serves 6
1 large or 2 small leeks (about 1 pound), use only tender light green & white parts, sliced
2 bay leaves
20 black peppercorns
4 sprigs fresh thyme
3 strips bacon, chopped
2 Tbsp. butter
1/2 c. dry white wine
4 c. homemade chicken stock (or high quality store bought version)
3-4 medium russet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and diced
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 c. heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream)
1/2 bunch Lacinato kale, remove center ribs and roughly chopped
1) Trim off the top dark green portion and bottom roots of the leek. Halve the leek lengthwise and rinse well under cold running water to remove any dirt or sand. Slice the leeks thinly crosswise and set aside.
2) Make a bouquet garni by bundling the bay leaves, peppercorns and thyme in a piece of cheesecloth and set aside.
3) In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook the bacon for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the back is soft and has rendered most of its fat. Add the butter and leeks to the pot and cook until the leeks are wilted, about 5 minutes.
4) Add the wine to the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the bouquet garni, chicken stock, potatoes, slat and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.
5) Remove the bouquet garni and discard. Work in batches to puree the soup in a food processor or blender (do not fill to the top). If you have an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot. You can either puree the entire pot or only 1/2 of the soup to keep some texture. I prefer the texture in the soup.
6) Add chopped kale to the soup and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the kale is wilted. Add the whipping cream and stir well. Adjust seasonings if needed. Serve soup hot with crusty bread or rolls.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
What's Cookin?: Potato, Leek and Kale Soup
Restaurant Rambling: The Breakfast Club (London, England)
The Breakfast Club
33 D'Arblay Street
London, ENGLAND W1F 8EU
Area: Soho
http://www.thebreakfastclubcafes.com/
Posted by ~TastyTravels~ at 10:00 AM 2 comments
Labels: breakfast, England, London, restaurants
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Restaurant Rambling: North Sea Fish (London, England)
I had planned to return for another go at the fish and chips but ran out of time. BOO!! Oh well, I guess this calls for a return trip to London!
North Sea Fish
7-8 Leigh Street
London, ENGLAND WC1H 9EW
Area: Bloomsbury
http://www.northseafishrestaurant.co.uk/
Posted by ~TastyTravels~ at 12:00 PM 3 comments
Labels: England, fish, London, restaurants, seafood
Travels: St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England)
I strolled through the St. Paul's Churchyard. It was a lovely spring day in London.
I love this photo of a wooden park bench etched with "City of London" and the beautiful spring flowers in the background.
The current St. Paul's Cathedral was built between 1675 and 1710 and designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It is the 5th cathedral to be built on this site. Admission is 9.50 GBP for adults.
St. Paul's Cathedral has the largest swinging bell in Europe, Great Paul, which strikes daily at 1pm. The hour bell, Great Tom, strikes the hour and marks the death of royalty and senior churchmen.
Restaurant Rambling: Pret A Manger (London, England)
Posted by ~TastyTravels~ at 11:00 AM 1 comments
Labels: England, London, restaurants, sandwiches
Travels: Tower Bridge (London, England)
Posted by ~TastyTravels~ at 7:15 AM 0 comments
Travels: The Tower of London (London, England)
Posted by ~TastyTravels~ at 7:10 AM 1 comments
Travels: Covent Garden (London, England)
On my first visit through Covent Gardens, I had already had lunch so I mostly window shopped. On my second visit however, I couldn't help but get a snack from Ella's Bakehouse. The devilishly delicious cupcakes called out to me.
I got a Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cupcake. If you know me, you know that I can't resist the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. This cupcake was almost too pretty to eat. I said almost. I chowed down. It was so moist and delicious!!
Ella's Bakehouse is located right at the Piazza of Covent Garden. Be sure to visit their tiny shop for a delightful treat!
Ella's Bakehouse
20a The Piazza
Covent Garden
London, ENGLAND WC2E 8RB
http://ellasbakehouse.co.uk/
Posted by ~TastyTravels~ at 7:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: cupcakes, desserts, England, London, restaurants, travels
Friday, October 28, 2011
Restaurant Rambling: Koji Osakaya
I decided on the Miso Katsu Donburi for my entree. It's deep fried pork with a sweet miso sauce. It's served over a bed of rice and thinly shredded egg omelet. Yummy!!
Koji Osakaya
10100 SW Barbur Blvd
Portland, OR 97219
ph: (503) 977-3100
Posted by ~TastyTravels~ at 11:00 AM 3 comments
Labels: japanese, portland, restaurants, sushi
Columbia River Gorge
Horsetail Falls tumbles down about 176 feet and can be viewed from the road.
It was a great fall day for a trip to the Columbia River Gorge.
Posted by ~TastyTravels~ at 10:00 AM 2 comments