Summer Soup… and a giveaway

Soup?  In summer?  Yes, my kids love soup and even in hot weather their interest doesn’t wane.  But what makes this recipe so wonderful is that it can be eaten hot or cold.   

It is one of the simplest yet delicious soups that I know I can get all three of my kids to eat.  Even the pickiest one.  I changed the recipe slightly to be a bit lighter for the summer. I added milk and cream instead of just straight heavy cream.

Potato Leek Soup  

  • 7-8 medium or 4 large potatoes (russet or similar)
  • 3 leeks (lightest green and whites only)
  • 3 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • ¼  tsp white pepper
  • salt to taste (careful with the salt since the broth probably has enough)

Cut the leeks lengthwise then chop.  Rinse in a bowl to wash out any sand/dirt.  Once fully cleaned place in large sauce pan.IMG_1170IMG_1173 Peel and chop potatoes, add to leeks.  Add broth.  Simmer until potatoes are soft (about 25-30 minutes). IMG_1176 Take off heat and add milk and cream.  IMG_1184Use immersion blender to purée (standing blender will work too).  Season with white pepper and, if needed, salt.  Serve.  As I mentioned you can chill and serve cold too (Vichyssoise).IMG_1191

I am doing a giveaway of Dairy Pure insulated shopping bags for my US readers. Just make a comment that you’d like one in the comments section; I will select two people at random to receive the bags. They’re great for hot or cold food.

I did use the Garelick Farms’ Dairy Pure milk, which I buy when I’m not near a farm or able to get to Trader Joe’s for their organic milk. They have a “Worry-Free Flip Cap”.  “It’s easier to use and protects everything you love about Dairy Pure milk along with a 5-Point Purity Checklist. The Worry-Free Flip Cap also helps keep your milk cap where it belongs; on the bottle. Plus, Dairy Pure’s Purity Seal makes sure your milk stays fresh from farm to fridge.

Dairy Pure Milk

Garelick Farms’ Dairy Pure Milk 

  1. Our Farmers pledge NO artificial growth hormones
  2. We Test all milk for antibiotics
  3. Continuously quality tested to ensure purity
  4. Only from cows fed a nutritious diet
  5. Cold-shipped fresh from your trusted dairy within hours”

I also like that it’s not ultra pasteurized.  The flip-top cap does make it easier to open, pour and not lose the cap. 

Disclosure: I was ever so slightly compensated for this post.  And they asked me months ago, but I couldn’t get around to it with my schedule. 

One potato, two potato…

I really, really thought I was going to have more time to write when the kids got back to school, but I seem to have less time than before.  I try to write late at night after the kids are in bed, but lately I keep falling asleep when I’m reading bedtime stories, much to the chagrin of my kids.  I mean I’m actually falling asleep during the story.  My sons have been known to pry open my eyes, poke me and yell, “Wake up!” or ” Mommy, keep reading!”  So, I have been remiss in the frequency of my posts.  But today, I’ve made some time. 

Here are two potato recipes that the kids love.  One is a fairly quick and very easy soup recipe, the other, scalloped potatoes, takes more time both in preparation and in baking.   But they are favorites within my immediate and extended family.   My husband is often requested to make the scalloped potatoes at family holiday gatherings. 

Potato Leek Soup  

3 large potatoes (russet or similar)

3 leeks (whites only)

3 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup cream

salt and pepper to taste (careful with the salt since the broth probably has enough)

Cut the leeks lengthwise then stand upright in cold water to wash.  Once fully rinsed, chop and place in sauce pan.  Peel and chop potatoes then add to leeks.  Add broth.Simmer until potatoes are soft (about 25 minutes).  Take off heat and add cream.  Season with fresh ground pepper and, if needed, salt. Use immersion blender to purée (standing blender will work too).   

Serve.  Can chill and serve cold too (Vichyssoise).

My eldest loves this so much he squealed when I showed it to him.  He could barely wait for a taste. 

His enthusiasm led my middle son’s curiosity to try it as well which then spread to my youngest, who normally stays away from creamy soups.  They all loved it.  Sometimes peer pressure is a good thing.

Scalloped potatoes to follow…