Cold Vichyssoise (Potato-Leek) Soup by Sy

Description
This is a great cold and creamy soup for a hot summers day. Vichyssoise Soup was created in America. I have added some caraway seeds and sour cream to give it an "American Jewish" taste. Enjoy!



Ingredients

 * 3-5 	 tablespoons   butter (or margarine)
 * 3 	leeks, cleaned and chopped (Important to remove the sand)
 * 3 	large potatoes, skin removed and cubed
 * 5 	cups chicken stock, heated (simmer 5 minutes if using bullion cubes/powder)
 * 1-2 	clove garlic, chopped
 * 1 	large cucumber, skin and seed removed and cut into small pieces (add a little salt, toss and let stand for a while)
 * 1-2 	stalk celery, cleaned and cut into small pieces
 * 3/4-1 	cup half-and-half cream (Substitute- Farm Fresh "Original" Brand Non-Dairy Creamer,Liquid)
 * 1/2 	cup instant mashed potatoes (or flour to thicken)
 * caraway seeds or curry powder
 * salt and pepper
 * chives or parsley or Mrs. Dash seasoning mix, as garnish
 * serve with sour cream

Directions
Put potatoes in salted water and cook, until almost done. Remove potatoes, mash and then add to chicken stock. Add garlic and 2 tablespoons butter/margarine and simmer for about 5 minutes. Put Potato stock through a strainer and remove any lumpy pieces. In a separate cooking pot add 1 tablespoon of butter/margarine and add the celery, stir for 1 minute and remove. In the same pot put in 2 tablespoons butter/margarine, add leeks and cook until slightly translucent. Add Potato stock to leeks, stir and simmer for about 5 minutes. Next add half& half cream, stir and add salt& pepper to taste. Add caraway seeds and/or a pinch of curry Powder. Let cool and then add the cucumbers and celery (both should remain crunchy). Put into a big glass jar/container and CHILL in refrigerator. Serve in individual bowls with a pinch of chives or parsley and a pinch of Mr. Dash on top for color. Have available sour cream on the side!