I am running a day late for French Fridays with Dorie because we have a sick girl in the house. I had to pick my daughter up from school early yesterday; it seems she has a cold. My poor little girl is so congested! Unfortunately my husband and I are not feeling optimistic about our own health, but so far neither one of us is ready to admit we have the cold too.
We will be discussing two FFWD recipes today: Hélène’s All-White Salad and Leek and Potato Soup (a make-up from the early days). Let’s start with the salad!
Hélène’s All-White Salad
When Dorie’s friend Hélène opened up a restaurant, she created a bunch of “color-themed” salads. The all-white salad was Dorie’s favorite. It contains celery, apples, mushrooms, and Napa cabbage, tossed with a yogurt-based vinaigrette.
This one had mixed results in my house. I thought it was fine, and would eat it if it were given to me, but I probably won’t make it again. My daughter doesn’t usually eat salads, but I gave her some as an experiment. She picked out all the apples. My husband declared after one bite, “I won’t be eating this one again”!
I think I would have liked this one better with a different type of apple. The Granny Smiths were too tart for my taste. Also, my dressing was a little bitter.
Leek and Potato Soup
The Leek and Potato Soup fared better. The French Fridays group made this one early on and it had received mixed reviews. I read some of the old entries to figure out what people didn’t like about it, and how I could make sure it was a success for us. Very helpful!
I didn’t change much. The main issue is that Dorie tends to like thinner soups. Leek and Potato seems like it should be a bit heartier, so I reduced the liquid by 2 cups (I used 3 cups broth & 2 cups milk vs. the 4 cups/3 cups called for). Also, I didn’t have whole milk, so I used half 1% milk and half heavy cream. The cream definitely added a nice richness to the soup!
This soup can be served chunky or smooth, with any number of toppings. I chose smooth, blending it with my immersion blender and leaving it slightly chunky. For dinner the first night, I topped it with Gruyère cheese and bacon. Everything tastes better with bacon! For lunch the next day, I just used Gruyère and chopped parsley.
I am so glad I had the wisdom of the Dorista’s who made this before me! We enjoyed the soup and I would definitely make it again with my changes.
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This post participates in French Fridays with Dorie, and online group cooking our way through Dorie Greenspan’s book Around My French Table. We don’t share recipes, but I encourage you to get this wonderful book!
From Scratch 
Oh I hope you all feel better soon! What’s better than a bowl of soup and some fresh veggies for a boost of vitamins to kick the cold away!
I hope your household kicks the cold soon! At least you have some delicious soup, even if you didn’t enjoy the salad.
I agree that a different type of apple might work better in this. Hope you are all feeling better soon!
Sorry to hear your daughter is sick and hang in there – hopefully it has NOT officially spread 🙂 The salad was firmly not a hit in my house but we enjoyed that soup when we made it. My do I wish I had some on hand now. With the snow we have been getting I am in the mood for soup and comfort food. And Spring, did I mention SPRING ?? 🙂
I think either a less tart apple of smaller pieces would have helped the salad. I liked it but my pieces were too big! You really did have an all white meal! This soup was one of our favorites and I’ve made it several times! Hope your daughter is feeling better. Good luck to you and your husband!
That was a very white menu. Perfect for winter. I wasn’t a big fan of the salad. It just didn’t work for me. I hope everyone at your house is on the mend. The soup should help with that. Have a great weekend.
Awwww. I hope the little lady is feeling better.
I l.o.v.e.d. that leek and potato soup.