leek, potato, and broccoli soup

although i had plenty of left over food from the weekend last nite i had a hankering for some soup...like i had in Ireland. creamy and delish...served with homemade croutons. i admit i had never made croutons before. it was very easy. i used a total of 1 1/2 sticks of butter between the soup and croutons. and believe me...it was worth every scrumptious bite. Here goes it:

the soup

in heavy pot melt 1 stick salted butter. add one large leek chopped, 5 spring onions chopped, 5 potatoes peeled and chunked, and 2 handfuls of frozen broccoli florets (you could use fresh if you have it on hand). after about 10 minutes add 2 cups each chicken and beef broth. cover with lid and boil until potatoes are tender. in batches blenderize until smooth. place back into heavy pot and bring the heat back up. turn off heat and add 3/4 cup heavy cream and salt and pepper

to taste.

the croutons
i took 6 slices of my homemade rosemary and garlic bread and cubed it. i placed 1/2 stick of butter in a skillet. when the butter was melted i added the bread. i cooked them for about 10 minutes turning them often until they were well toasted.
serve the croutons in the soup.

tonite however...i am pooped. we had leftover lasagna. i have had a bath. i am now relaxing (after folding laundry and doing dishes). i plan on starting my new book 'the girl who kicked the hornets nest'. no matter how tired i am...a good book can keep me up all nite!

~bon appetite