Cold Weather Food

I have been trying to fool myself that spring is just around the corner, but since that is really quite far from the truth, I thought that I had better start to embrace winter a little bit. Today called for some serious comfort food, and I thought I would share the recipes.

Potato Leek Soup:
4 large leeks
2 tbsp olive oil
5 large potatoes - peeled and cubed
2 cloves of garlic, minced
6 cups vegetable stock
1 tsp black pepper
250g cream cheese
2 cups milk

Trim and discard the leek roots and the tough outer leaves. Rinse well and chop. Put into a large soup pan with olive oil and garlic, and cook on medium-high until tender. Add stock, potatoes, and pepper. Cook for 20 - 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Blend in small batches and then return to pot. Stir in cream cheese by the spoonful until melted. Add milk until the desired consistency.


Sweet Potato Bread:
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 3/4 flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup water
1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Combine sugar, oil, and eggs. Beat well. In a large bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in wet ingredients, alternating with water. Stir in sweet potatoes and pecans. Pour into greased loaf pan and bake at 350 for approx. 1 hour.