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Feature Articles
What are Leeks?
Meet a Not-
Discovering What We Don’t Know About Leeks
Alien Encounters:
Drumming Up Inspiration for Strange-
A Week of Leeks:
Get to know Leeks, 7 Easy Ways
In Every Issue
Why We Love It
Partners in Flavor and Season
Leek Season
Vegetable Boosters
Picky Eater Tips
Money Saving Tricks
News from the Farm
Cooking School
Cooking Classes:
White Fish and Leeks en Papillote
Roasted Leeks and Butternut Squash Salad
Buying the Best
Storing for Flavor
Prepping Tricks & Tips
Cooking Basics
Recipes, Recipes, Recipes
13 Easy Recipes: Make
Leeks a Mid-
© 2009 Culinary Concepts, Inc., Boulder CO
The Answer: Leeks, a/k/a “Poor Man’s Asparagus”
I have never liked appetizer duty. Ask me to bring a salad or vegetable and I’m
delighted. But appetizers are another story. There seems to be an expectation of
some kind of cheese-
Leeks have given me a new lease on life when it comes to appetizers. Just as requested,
they can form the basis for appetizers that are stunning, stellar-
According to F. L. Stagg, author of A Paris Cookbook, leeks in France are known as les asperges du pauvre, or "the asparagus of the poor," because when stewed and cooled, they can be eaten, “like asparagus, with one's fingers and vinaigrette or oil." But they are far less expensive than asparagus!
So next time you get assigned appetizer duty, consider:
- the French classic, Warm Leeks Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette (here’s our fast and easy version),
- another French favorite, Braised Leeks (here’s our fast variation re-
titled Leeks au Gratin), or - a new Vegetable a Month classic: Frizzled Leek and Roasted Pear Crostini.
- What’s more, all of Sun-
Dried Tomato, Swiss and Leek Quiche ; Chicken or Tofu Medallions with Mustardy Leeks; and Bacon, Leeks and Tomato Sandwiches can be made in small sizes appropriate for appetizers.
Bon Appetit!
<<Money Savers
The Question: Is there such a thing as an easy, economical, healthy appetizer that still tastes good?
Economical Elegance:
Friends invite you for dinner and of course you say, “That would be great.” Then like a good guest, you proceed to ask, “What can I bring?” and the host tells you, “a little something to nibble on before dinner.”
Recipes with Leek Greens
Country Style Pork Ribs in Creamy Leek Sauce
Lamb Meatballs Braised with Fennel, Leek and Apple
Chicken (or Tofu) Medallions with Mustardy Leeks
Potato, Leek and Tomato Lasagna
Always Tip for Saving $$
Buying in season always saves money—which happens automatically in the Vegetable a Month Club.
Although the French call them finger food, Warm Leeks in Vinaigrette are easier to nibble out of hand if made with baby leeks–or cut larger leeks into quarters or even eighths.
Leeks au Gratin makes another economical but elegant appetizer.
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Waste-
There is another way to be economical with leeks–by using the parts that are often
tossed. Recipes routinely call for “leeks, white and light green parts only,” To
an unsuspecting home cook, that could easily to taken to mean, “toss the green tops.”
Yet those greens can be used in countless ways, in soups, stir-
To help you get started, check out our special section: Cooking with the Green Parts of Leeks. As always , there is probably some sort of healthy karma that comes from not being wasteful with food–and in the meantime, you’re doubling your vegetable dollars and saving the planet. Not a bad deal!
Frizzled Leek and Roasted Pear Crostini is a new, Vegetable a Month classic.
Easy Appetizer Elegance with Leeks
Leek greens make a delightful substitute for lettuce in BLTs.
Read More about cutting and cooking leek greens, and how they can be added to dishes for a fast color and nutrition boost.