The Soup Show with Julia Child

Julia Child's fifty first show was "The Soup Show." In her cookbook The French Chef Cookbook published in 1968 she said, "in this busy can-opener world, a homemade soup often seems like a new taste sensation. The old French standby, leek and potato soup, tastes so good you cannot believe it is nothing but vegetables, water, and salt simmered together." Julia, I completely agree! Just a couple additions though... I'm going to add bacon and cheddar cheese to make my husband happy.

Ingredients:
3 to 4 cups peeled potatoes sliced or diced
3 cups thinly sliced leeks or yellow onions
2 quarts water
1 tablespoon salt
1/3 cup heavy cream or 2 tablespoons softened butter
2 to 3 tablespoons minced parsley or chives

Directions:
Either simmer the vegetables, water, and salt together, partially covered for 40 to 50 minutes until vegetables are tender; or cook under 15 pounds pressure for 5 minutes, release pressure, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to develop the flavor.

Mash the vegetables in the soup with a fork, or pass the soup through a food mill. Correct seasoning. Set aside uncovered until just before serving, then reheat to simmer. Remove from heat just before serving, and stir in the cream or butter by spoonfuls. Pour into a tureen or soup cups and decorate with herbs.