Leeks Baked With Cream Bacon And Bay Leaves Recipes

LEEKS 'N' BACON

Steps:

• *NOTE: Can use pepper bacon instead in which case you would omit the black pepper seasoning as indicated in the recipe directions.
• Discard green parts of leeks and thinly slice the white parts.
• In large saute pan on medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. DO NOT burn! Set aside on paper towel. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat.
• Add the garlic and saute 30 seconds. Then add the leeks and celery sauteeing another 4-5 minutes or until softnened, stirring often.
• Crumble the bacon and stir into the leeks. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

BACON-ROASTED SALMON ON BAKED LEEKS WITH CREAM AND MINT

Steps:

• To prepare the leeks: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove the heavy dark green leaves of the leeks, cut into 1/4-inch circles, and rinse well in cold water. You should have about 2 cups. Pour the melted butter into a small ovenproof casserole, add the leeks, mint, salt, and pepper, and pour over the heavy cream. Toss to distribute evenly. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and keep warm.
• To prepare the salmon: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Place 2 overlapping slices of bacon over each salmon fillet. Lightly oil a large heavy sheet pan and place the salmon on it and roast in the top part of the oven for 10 minutes for medium rare. The bacon should almost melt off.
• To serve: Spoon leeks and their sauce into the center of each of 4 serving plates and place the roasted salmon with bacon on top.

CREAMED LEEKS

Steps:

• Cut off roots of the leeks and peel off any withered leaves. Cut off 2 inches from green tops. With a sharp knife slit the green parts in half lengthwise stopping an inch from root end. Make another slit, lengthwise and perpendicular. Spread leaves apart an rinse them under running water, carefully looking out for hidden grit. Cut leeks crosswise into 1 1/2-inch lengths.
• Heat butter in a saucepan and add the leeks. Toss to combine them with the butter. Add the broth, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until completely tender. You may do the recipe 2 to 3 days in advance up to this point. Over medium heat, evaporate the liquid from the leeks and when they are totally dry add heavy cream, starting with 1/4 cup or so and simmer, stirring continuously until the cream has been absorbed by the leeks. Add 1/4 cup more and repeat if you wish. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

LEEKS BAKED IN CREAM

Steps:

• Trim the leeks, discarding the roots and reserving the green parts for another use.
• Cut the white parts in half lengthwise and rinse carefully to remove sand.
• Butter a suitable flat baking dish and arrange the leeks in it, cut side up.
• Mix the cream with the mustard, season very lightly with salt (the cream reduces considerably during baking), add pepper to taste, and pour the cream mixture over the leeks. Sprinkle on the bread crumbs and bake for a half to three-quarters of an hour, or until the leeks are tender and the cream is well reduced and the top lightly browned.

CREAMED LEEKS WITH BACON & THYME

Steps:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the bacon for 5 mins, then turn down the heat, add the white wine and simmer to a glaze. Add the double cream and reduce by half. Add the leeks and simmer for 10 mins, then stir in the thyme leaves, cheddar and season.

LEEK & BACON BAKE

Steps:

• Fry the bacon pieces until golden.
• Place the leek pieces, laid flat, into a baking dish and sprinkle the bacon over.
• Season and stir the crème fraiche to loosen, then spread over the leeks.
• Sprinkle well with cheese, scatter with breadcrumbs and a little more cheese.
• Put in the oven at 190degC/170degC fan/Gas Mark 5, for 30-40 mins.

LEEKS BRAISED IN CREAM WITH GARLIC AND LEMON

Steps:

• Trim leeks about 2 inches beyond the point where the leaves start to darken.
• Trim the root end and cut the leeks in half length-wise and then crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Place the leek pieces in a large bowl filled with cold water and rinse thoroughly.
• Lift the leeks out of the water (the soil will have sunk to the bottom) and into a colander to drain.
• Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the leeks and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks start to soften, about 5 minutes.
• Add the cream, broth and zest.
• Cover and simmer until the leeks are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the lid and cook until the braising liquid thickens, about 2 minutes.
• Sprinkle with parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately.