Happy Holidays

It's been a while. I know, I have been lazy and not posted in a while.

There will be some changes to my blog soon. Watch this space.

Fireworks 2011

Thanks to Dex and Tony, I had a prime spot for watching the July 4th fireworks. From the 12th floor terrace I was able to see the Hudson River, New Jersey, and most of the 6 simultaneous displays of fireworks (two buildings blocked the center barges full of fireworks). The crowds on 42nd Street were huge, as the end of the video clip shows.

The Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger

Potato Leek Soup

3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into large pieces
2 large leeks, whites only, thoroughly washed and chopped
3 stalks celery, roughly chopped
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
32 ounces chicken broth
32 ounces water
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 ounces melted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
salt and pepper

In a large pot place potatoes, half of the chopped leeks, celery, onion, bay leaf, chicken broth and water and bring to a boil, about 15 minutes. Continue to boil until potatoes are soft.

Mix flour and butter to make a roux for thickening the soup. Add remaining chopped leeks, roux, cream, thyme and salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.

Let soup cool 15 minutes. Using a blender, puree in batches and return to a medium pot. Simmer 20 minutes more until the soup has thickened.