Potato and Leek Soup

I didn't even know how to "categorize" the leek until I made Julia Child's potato and leek soup last night.

How can I be in my late 30s and not know a thing about leeks?

That's just crazy!

And it makes me wonder how many other life experiences I've passed by so far?

Eeek. That nearly gives me an anxiety attack, actually.

But, back to the soup--which is actually called "Potage Parmentier" (leek or onion and potato soup).

It's simple, really. 3 large potatoes peeled and diced. 2 large leeks washed well and sliced thinly. Some salt. Some water. Ta-da!

And although no one in the family tried it last night (it was Mexican night--I just snuck the soup in for fun), everyone that came in the house asked, "What are you cooking?" (Because those leeks make you want to eat. They smell wonderful!)

I did try the soup and loved it. With the right bread, I could have eaten the whole 5 quarts myself. (If I weren't eating carnitas, of course.)

(Fortunately, I didn't do that. Because now I have lunch today!)

Pearls of cooking wisdom gleaned from last night's recipe:

1. Leeks are divine. They are like giant green onions--but with better texture and a more mild flavor. (They look like they belong on Land of the Lost. I just love how HUGE they seem compared to a green onion. It's hilarious.)

2. When you max yourself out in the kitchen on Sunday, a simple soup on Monday will keep you from losing your sanity.