How To: Make Vichyssoise

This rich soup – served cold – combines leeks and potatoes to create a culinary treat for your tastebuds.
You Will Need
* 4 leeks
* 2 tbsp. butter
* 1 lb. potatoes
* 29 oz. chicken broth
* 1/2 c. water
* 1 tsp. salt
* 1/4 tsp. pepper
* 1 c. milk
* 1/2 c. heavy cream
* Chives
* A chef's knife
* A colander
* A large saucepan
* A blender
* 4 shallow soup bowls

Step 1: Cut leeks
Cut the roots and tops from the leeks, leaving only white and pale green parts. Cut each leek in half lengthwise. Slice about 4 ½ cups, reserving any left over for another use.

Step 2: Clean leeks
Rinse the leeks in a large bowl of cool water. Transfer them to a colander, drain, and pat dry.

Clean thoroughly – a lot of dirt can settle in different parts of the leeks.

Step 3: Melt butter and cook leeks
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Simmer potatoes, broth, water, salt, and pepper
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Add potatoes, broth, water, salt, and pepper to the leeks. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Puree the mixture
Spoon half of the potato mixture into a blender. Cover the blender and puree. Pour the puree into a large bowl, and repeat with the remaining mixture.

Step 6: Stir milk and cream into the puree and refrigerate
Stir milk and cream into the puree. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for four hours.

Step 7: Spoon into bowls and garnish with chives
Spoon the cold soup into bowls. Chop the chives and use to garnish the soup.

Fact: Vichyssoise was created by a French chef at New York's Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the early 1900s.