Recipe for Leek Soup

Ingredients

2 lbs of leeks

1 lb potatoes

1/2 cup butter

1 large spring of fresh thyme

1 1/2 cups milk

salt and pepper

4 tablespoons heavy cream, to serve

STEPS:
1. top & tail the leeks. Rinse thoroughly under cold water
2. cut the potatoes into rough dice, about 1 in., dry on paper towels
3. melt the butter in large saucepan. Add the leeks & sprig thyme, cover & cook about 4-5 mins. add potatoes slices. add just enough cold water to cover the veggies. re-cover cook for about 30 mins (low heat)
4. pour in milk & season with salt & pepper. Cover & simmer for 30 mins (potatoes will break up, leaving a semi-pureed & lumpy soup)
5. Remove the sprig of thyme. Leaves will have fallen into soup. Serve, adding 1 TBSP cream & a garnish of thyme with each portion.

MARCH 26, 2010 5:45 PM

The Piano Teacher - March 22, 2010

I'm so glad we were able to find some conversations out of our book. I think we were all disappointed at first because the book was not what we expected. Once we were able to discuss different points of view we found that there was more to the characters than what we initially thought. We mentioned that the author was probably vague about a lot of things in her story because she did want to evoke discussion about the characters and the circumstances surrounding the events in their lives. One of the most thought provoking questions we discussed was: How do you feel about Angeline and her giving up her friendship with Trudy because she didn't approve of Trudy's behavior? This prompted discussion about our own friendships and what secrets we might be inclined to divulge to others. It made us think about what we might be inclined to discuss with a friend or family member not knowing what the outcome might be.

You are all a wonderful group of ladies who have so much to offer in many ways. We missed you Trace and Miggy and look forward to seeing you at the next book club meeting. I know you all loved the leek soup so I will include a copy of the recipe. I hope you also enjoy the grape sauce to pour over your ice cream and that it will spark your memory of this day.

Thank you for your participation and enthusiasm at this event. It seems that we are just getting better and better at sharing and discussing important topics. Love to all, Maria