4 cups sliced leeks, white part only 4 cups diced potatoes, old or baking potatoes recommended 6 to 7 cups water 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons salt or to taste 1/2 cup or more sour cream, heavy cream, or crème fraîche, optional 1 Tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, minced Vichyssoise from Mastering the Art of French Cooking is a classic Julia Child’s recipe – simple and delicious.

I'd seen this dish on many menus before, but I'd never, ever made it. That's the recipe I made in honor of our adored Julia Child in celebration of her upcoming 100th birthday. Vichyssoise.

Although it has only a few ingredients: the soup base (chicken stock), leeks, potatoes, whipping cream, salt and white pepper, and chives for garnish, I had to improvise. Ingredients 1 1/2 C yellow potatoes peeled and sliced into small chunks 1 C leek rinsed and sliced 1/8" thick 3 C chicken stock 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp ground white pepper 1/4 C …