Book of Days Tales

Today is St David’s Day.  David is believed to have died on 1 March 589 and is the patron saint of Wales.  His Welsh name, by which he was known, is Dewi. Like most Medieval saints, David’s biography is a mixture of fact and fiction.  These are the undisputed facts.  Although his hagiography was written many centuries after his death, he really existed (not true of a great many saints from the Middle Ages).  He was central to the conversion of the western Celts in the 6^th century, and he was archbishop of Wales.

The leek is the national symbol of David and Wales, which gives you enormous scope.  I use leeks rather than onions in most recipes these days because I prefer the flavor.  Cut your leeks very thin and poach them in butter.  Then use them as a base for anything you want – such as a broiled fish filet.  Buttered leeks are perfectly delicious and leeks themselves are incredibly versatile.  Use them in place of onions in any sauce.  Use them in soup.   Cut them in chunks, baste them in oil and roast them along with your potatoes.  Here is a classic soup that I make all the time. Rough and ready recipe.

Leek and Potato Soup

Main ingredients are leeks, potatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings of choice (I usually go with parsley and black pepper). 

Make sure the leeks are well cleaned; they can often hide pockets of dirt in their tops.  Scrub the potatoes well clean, or peel them.  Cut the leeks and potatoes into nice chunks, bring the broth to a simmer in a big soup pot, and put in the vegetables.  Add your seasonings of your choice and simmer until the potatoes are soft (to your liking).   Serve in deep bowls with crusty bread. If you make a big pot – as I do – let the soup cool completely after you have had some.  Blend a portion of it with some heavy whipping cream until it is smooth. Refrigerate and serve ice cold with a garnish of chopped chives, i.e., vichyssoise.