Potato-Leek Soup

•               3 large leeks, cleaned and diced

•               2 Tbsp butter

•               2 cups water

•               2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

•               2 lbs potatoes, peeled, diced into 1/2 inch pieces

•               Marjoram - dash

•               1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

•               2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

•               1 cup heavy cream

•               Salt & Pepper

•               Garnishes, optional: shredded cheese; diced scallions; chopped, cooked bacon; sour cream

1 Cook leeks in butter with salt and pepper in a large sauce pan. Cover pan, cook on low heat for 10 minutes. Check often. Do not brown the leeks.

2 Add water, broth, and potatoes. Bring to a low simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Scoop about half of the soup mixture into a blender, puree and return to pan. Or use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pan. Add marjoram, parsley, and thyme. Add cream, freshly ground pepper, 1-2 teaspoons salt or more to taste. Serve with garnishes.

Serves 6