Happy St. David's Day

Today is the feast day of the patron saint of Wales - St. David who died on March 1, 589 AD. It's the Welsh equivalent of St. Patrick's Day for the Irish (with fewer parades but larger choirs). St. Patrick was a Welshman by the way. [Update - Sorry, I was wrong about this! On St. Patrick's Day this year, I found that he was probably born in Scotland.]



So, have some leek soup (a non-authentic recipe below), plant a daffodil and hum the tune to The Ash Grove. It only happens once a year.

According to the link above, Welsh leeks are different from leeks found in the Americas. Welsh leeks are called "ramps" here and are hard to find. They are only available in season, too. If using American leeks, use only the white or very pale green parts and throw the rest away.

Cawl Cennin (leek soup)

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp butter
• 4 large leeks
• 250-300 grams (8 - 11 oz) bacon
• 4 mid sized potatoes
• 1 can chicken bouillon/broth (8 oz)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cream
• ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Chop the bacon and leeks, peel and dice the potatoes.
2. Add bacon and leek to the pan and soften for a couple of minutes. Add potatoes, bouillon and season to taste.
3. Boil (covered) for 30 minutes. Pour the soup into a food processor and mix until smooth.
4. Pour back into the saucepan, add milk and cream and reheat. Do not boil.
5. Serve immediately.