Thursday, January 27, 2011

Comfort is never overrated.

It can be as simple as hugging a teddy bear while watching a sad movie; or enjoying a hot, steamy bowl of soup on a cold winter’s day.  Comfort gives a sense of safety, and basically keeps us from going insane.  It takes the sadness and makes it all better; just like a mother would kiss a child’s wound to make it all better.  It wraps us in a warm blanket and keeps the chill from invading our bones.
Comfort can be as simple as holding someone’s hand; each of you feeling loved and wanted.  Walking along a trail, the wonder of nature around you; knowing you’re part of it, and not alone at all.  Window shopping down a busy city street, but as far as you’re both concerned, only the two of you exist in your love infused world.
No, comfort isn’t, and can’t be, overrated; and that’s a really, really good thing.

So, here’s a little comfort for those cold days and nights, and the body is craving something warm to eat:


Potato Leek Soup
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp butter
4 leeks, white part only,
1 lb potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
1 qt chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup cold water
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
Optional: favorite herb for garnish
Preparation:
Cut leeks into ½ inch pieces, put into a colander, wash thoroughly with cold water to remove grit.  In a large stock/soup pot, melt butter over medium heat.  Sauté leeks until tender, approx. 10-15 minutes.  Add potatoes, stock, water, black pepper; bring to boil.  Reduce heat to low.
Cover pot and let soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.  If using a hand-held blender, puree the soup in the pot until smooth.  Otherwise, transfer the mixture, in batches, to a standard blender; puree until smooth.  Return soup to the pot.
On low heat, stir the cream into the soup mixture.  Let the soup come up to a hot temperature, but do NOT bring to a boil.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with favorite herb (thyme, parsley, chives, etc) if desired.
Makes 6 servings.

Mary Cokenour