Daddy's Champ

Hello again!

I decided to put those leeks to good use and make the little man some baby food. I thought I'd just post up the recipe here in case anyone was interested. It struck me as I was digging them up that these leeks have nearly been in existence as long as he has (including the pregnancy). I started my leeks in February in leftover mushroom containers. (An idea borrowed from here!

With the leeks being little weedy specimens it made sense to apply them in much the same way I would spring onions. As I had a few potatoes lying about it made sense to combine them into the Irish dish: Champ.

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Recipe

6 baby leeks or 2 large ones
4 medium potatoes
3 Tbsp whole milk
1tsp Olive oil or cooking spray
20g Grated Cheese *
Double Cream *
Butter (Unsalted) *

*optional

Method

- Roughly chop the leeks...

-And/or blend...

-Soften gently on a low heat in a frying pan brushed with the olive oil.

-Whilst the leeks are softening prick the potatoes a few times with a fork and place on a microwaveable plate. Microwave for about 15 minutes, turning them half way through. You'll know when they are ready as the will be soft to touch.

-Allow to cool and scoop out the flesh. Mash (don't blend*) and combine with the milk/butter/cream/cheese. 

(*Blended potato turns into a sponge like texture when you freeze it making it hard to re-heat)

-Add the soften leeks and combine. Place into ice cube trays and use within a month. This recipe made 7 portions of about 3 tablespoons. 

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Meanwhile on the plot I've planted some parsnips because I was desperate to plant something. Hopefully it will stay fairly dry, they'll germinate and grow. Last year I grew 1 parsnip (total) out of a whole row, but my seed was old and therefore less likely to germinate.

At home I sowed some beetroot/kale and Nasturtiums in modules so I can get them in the ground early. My broccoli/cauli are coming on well and their second leaves are just coming through. My dianthus and spring onions are just popping through whilst the leeks are starting to stand up straight.

Til next time happy gardening.

Chris