First up, I made Basque Potato Tortilla (pg 142 of Around My French Table). I halved everything and used a smaller pan, because serving myself nine eggs for dinner seemed a little ridiculous. I also added red pepper to the potato and onion. This tasted like every other tortilla I've ever had, which is to say that it was good, but not unique. I enjoyed it, and have half of it left over for a lunch or two.
Tonight, I made Leek and Potato Soup, Smooth or Chunky, Hot or Cold (pg 66). I opted for smooth and hot. I usually love Dorie's soups, but I was underwhelmed with this one. It's pretty bland. I used dried thyme instead of fresh, which probably didn't help in the flavor department, but for the huge amount of onions and leeks in here, I would have expected some onion and garlic flavor to shine through. Oh well. Still, I'm happy to have it on this chilly, drizzly day. Chilly and drizzly is an uncommon occurrence around here, so I'm enjoying it while I can. I'm the only person I know who prefers rain to sunshine. Probably because sunshine=sunburn in my world, no matter how much SPF 50 I slather on.
Update: I do feel compelled to say that I had some leftover soup for lunch, and the flavor was much richer the second day. Today, it was really good!
Hmmm. I loved that soup (it was my first introduction to leeks, which I am now in love with...)
ReplyDeleteCheddar makes everything better. Hands down.
Sometimes I think that our initial expectations play such a big role in how we receive these recipes. I was not expecting to like the tortilla at all because I am usually not a fan of overcooked eggs (my favorite egg dishes are usually runny, runny, runny) and so I actually ended up really liking this one. I've even made a few of her Bonne Idees.
ReplyDeleteGreat that you were able to play catch-up on two recipes. Very impressive. I'll have to follow your lead and do the same on some of my skipped recipes soon!
ReplyDeleteI didn't make the two recipes so I should also catch up with them. Loved your comment on the tortilla. Didn't taste it yet, but for me à tortilla is also something if I run out of food
ReplyDeleteSorry these weren't winners for you! They both look great though.
ReplyDeleteI just had a Spanish tortilla at a Superbowl party and loved it. But, then again, I am a sucker for simple, and for eggs. The soup tempted me, but still have not made it. It is not high on my list at the moment.
ReplyDeleteSorry to leave my link, but I can't get open ID to let me leave the comment! Peggy
http://adoptsomom.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/finger-licking-good-nutella-tartine/
I recently made both of those recipes too. I agree, both were fine but nothing too special. I thought the soup really needed toppings - I like the cheddar cheese idea.
ReplyDeleteGood to catch up on a couple of recipes. I often add additional flavorings to these French dishes...we like spicy, flavorful foods and I've decided the French are a little more bland...good basic recipes, but need a little zip. So we fix them up a bit at our house to make them special.
ReplyDeleteI need to catch up on some recipes also, both of which you did this week. I think I will put these at the bottom of the list in favor of others I am more anxious to taste. The potato tortilla interests me, however. Isn't it nice to have a night or two off to just "try" stuff?
ReplyDeleteI can't remember if I liked the soup or not ... or did I even make it? Ach, such a bad memory. I know I dressed up the tortilla a bit with flavors I like. I'm a huge fan of eggs, though, anyway they come, so it was practically guaranteed to get a thumbs-up from me no matter what. :)
ReplyDeleteI was considering trying both of these sooner than later, but after reading your comments, I think I'll move them back to later. I also really enjoy the rain since we have so much heat and sun in the Palm Springs area. It's been in the 80's most of the month of January and February isn't looking much different :(
ReplyDeleteI still have to play catch up with both recipes. Good to know the soup needs a bit of punch in the taste department. Maybe I'll double/50% up the leeks and garlic.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried either of these AMFT recipes but they're both dishes that I enjoy. I like playing catch up or even going rogue and trying new recipes in the book, some of the recipes we've made are not ones that I would have chosen to make in the first place. I think it's great that you're open to trying all these new recipes;-)
ReplyDeleteBoth of your picks look really good! I am thinking I might do rewinds next week. Your comment on the potato tortilla, that you would make again if there were only eggs and potatoes in the house, made me laugh :) I remember that no one really liked that dish when I made it.
ReplyDeleteThe soup looks delicious, I haven't had a chance to make that one yet so will have to remember to make it the day before for optimal flavor, thanks for the tip!
We liked both of these recipes but the soup flavor was very subtle. I've made it a few times but use more potatoes and fewer leeks. I have several recipes to catch up on too!
ReplyDeleteWe have made the potato tortilla numerous times and it's now a family favorite. We love using that recipe when we make breakfast for dinner. Glad you were able to try it!! You might try changing up the ingredients a bit to things you prefer ... I like putting mushrooms in it.
ReplyDeleteI had to smile over your conclusion about the tortilla! Heh, if I have nothing else to eat at the house other than eggs and potatoes, I suppose that's a logical choice. Glad the soup "aged" well and you enjoyed it much more the next day.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on both of those recipes - they were ok but didn't light my fire.
ReplyDeleteGood job on the catch-up, though I'm sorry to hear it wasn't the most successful pair of recipes for you. I remember being disappointed by the soup, but I did like the tortilla.
ReplyDeleteFunny how we all end up with different opinions :) And good for you for not going through the motions to re-do something you are not into (Nutella). Nana has made "potatoes and eggs" for my whole life and I have always enjoyed them but they did fall under the category of what to make when there is nothing else or we are not supposed to eat meat (Catholic :) We also heartily add hot Tabasco sauce to ours, which makes all the difference. Good catch up week !
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