This was from Rachael Ray Express Lane Meals: What to Keep on Hand, What to Buy Fresh for the Easiest-Ever 30-Minute Meals, a book I’m finding some good ideas in, although I nearly always change something. Still, the inspiration is worthwhile! Last night I made a leek and bacon side dish to go with some with some sauteed salmon fillets. We found the salmon to be a bit boring, but both my girls enjoyed the leeks.

Creamy Leeks with Bacon

The leeks were easy and good. The best tip was on cleaning them. Prior to this, I’d cut the root end off, then cut the dark green tops off, then cut the leeks lengthwise down the middle, but not all the way through the end. Then I’d hold them fanned out a bit under running water. RR said cut the ends as before, cut in half all the way through, then slice thinly and put in a bowl of water. Swish them around to rinse them, then let them sit for a few minutes. The grit will settle to the bottom of the bowl. Carefully lift the sliced leeks out without disturbing the water and let them drain.

• 3 leeks, trimmed, cleaned, and sliced
• 5-6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1-2 cloves garlic, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup white wine
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup half and half

Chop up some bacon and cook in a skillet until crispy, then remove to dry a bit on some paper towels. If there’s LOTS of grease, drain some off, but leave a bit in the pan to cook the leeks in. Cook the leeks with some chopped garlic 3-5 minutes, and add salt and pepper. Add the wine and simmer a few minutes, then add the broth and half and half. Simmer 10-15 minutes while you’re cooking the salmon. Top with the bacon and serve.

Simple Salmon

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• zest from a lemon
• 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 salmon fillets
• salt and pepper to taste
• a bit of olive oil

The salmon was simple. Chop up some fresh parsley and garlic and lemon zest. Salt and pepper the salmon, then press into the herb mixture, then cook in a bit of olive oil until done, turning once after a few minutes. As I said, we found this a bit boring but it was easy and fast.  I like  a bit of a sauce though. Next time, I think I’ll stick with my simple version, which is to season with something (it varies) and then barbecue rather than saute.