“That’s all for today… Bon appetit!”

I am so sad to see our french week come to an end. I know we have definitely found some new family favorites this week and will be revisiting France often next year!

Balcer Rating: 5

This is actually a Julia Child recipe...and is was DELICIOUS!!!

Julia Child’s Leek and Potato Soup

For about 2 ½ quarts, serving 6 or 8

4 cups sliced leeks – the white part and a bit of the tender green
4 cups diced potatoes – old or baking potatoes recommended
6 or 7 cups of water
1½ to 2 teaspoons of salt, to taste
Optional: ½ cup of more sour cream, heavy cream or crème fraiche

In a heavy-bottomed, three-quart saucepan, bring the leeks, potatoes and water to a boil, uncovered. Salt lightly, cover partially, and simmer 20 or 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Taste and correct seasoning.

Serving au Naturel – Ladle out the soup and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, if you wish.

Pureed Leek and Potato Soup – Puree the soup through a vegetable mill or in a blender or food processor. Serve with optional cream.

Cream of Leek and Potato Soup – Use a cup less liquid when simmering the soup. After pureeing, whisk 2/3 cup or more of sour cream, heavy cream or crème fraiche into the soup, simmering a moment to blend.

 

Virginia Ham and White Cheddar Croquettes

INGREDIENTS

2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" pieces
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 small onion, minced
¼ cup heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 oz. Virginia ham, finely chopped
4 oz. white cheddar, grated
¼ cup finely chopped chives
1 cup flour, plus more for dusting
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups panko bread crumbs
Canola oil, for frying

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Boil potatoes in a 4-qt. pot of salted water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl; set aside. Add 1 tbsp. butter to the pot, and melt over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add to potatoes along with remaining butter, cream, salt and pepper. Using a potato masher, mash until smooth. Fold in ham, cheese, and chives; chill for 20 minutes.

2. Using flour-dusted hands, form 2 tbsp. chilled ham mixture into a 3"-long oval and flatten the ends; dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with bread crumbs. Repeat with remaining mixture, flour, eggs, and bread crumbs; transfer to a plate and freeze for 15 minutes.

3. Heat 2" oil in a 6-qt. saucepan to 375°. Working in batches, fry croquettes, turning as needed, until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer to  paper towels to drain and season with salt.