Leek Herb Cheese Log Food

HERBED LEEK TARTS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, saute the leeks, red pepper and garlic in oil until tender. Remove from the heat; cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the cheese, mustard and herbs; set aside., On a lightly floured surface, roll each sheet of crust into a 12-in. circle. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets. Spoon leek mixture over crusts to within 2 in. of edges. Fold edges of crust over filling, leaving center uncovered. Brush folded crust with milk; sprinkle with nuts if desired. , Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly. Using parchment, slide tarts onto wire racks. Cool for 10 minutes before cutting. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers.

CHEESE, LEEK, AND HERB SOUFFLE CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until pale gold, about 2 minutes. Add leeks and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and bright green, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; let cool. (Leeks can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated.)
• Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Cut strips of parchment 4 inches wide and long enough to form a collar around inside of dish. Butter 1 side of parchment, and press unbuttered side against inside of dish. (Ends should overlap, and parchment should extend 2 inches above top of dish.) Place 1/2 cup Parmesan in dish, and coat sides well. Pour out and discard excess cheese.
• Melt 1 stick butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, and cook, whisking constantly, until well combined and thoroughly heated. Remove pan from heat, and gradually add milk, whisking constantly until batter is very smooth before adding more milk. Add 1 teaspoon salt, and season with pepper. Return pan to medium heat, and whisk until souffle base is smooth, shiny, and thickened, about 12 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Transfer souffle base to a bowl, and beat in egg yolks, 1 at a time, with a mixer on medium speed, increasing speed to high for 10 seconds after each addition to thoroughly incorporate. After last yolk is added, beat 20 seconds on high speed, then scrape down side of bowl. Add Gruyere, the remaining Parmesan, the leeks, and herbs, and beat until well combined.
• Beat egg whites with 1/2 teaspoon salt until stiff peaks form. Fold whites into souffle base, one third at a time, folding gently but thoroughly (a few streaks of whites are fine). Spoon souffle mixture into dish, and bake until puffed and golden, 35 to 40 minutes.

LEEK & HERB STUFFED JACKETS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Place the leeks in a microwaveable bowl with a splash of water, then microwave for 3 mins on High. Set aside. Microwave the potatoes for 10-15 mins on High, turning halfway through cooking. Leave until cool enough to handle, then cut in half lengthways and carefully scoop out the middle into the bowl with the leeks, keeping the potato skin intact.
• Mash the leek and potato with the soft cheese, egg and parsley, then spoon back into the potato skins. Place on a baking sheet, then bake for 15 mins until the filling is golden brown and piping hot, and the skins have crisped up. Delicious served with a tomato and baby leaf salad.