Fennel & Potato Leek Soup

and the pleasures of winter, bread, butter, wine and cheese

I love winter—dressing for it, walking in the fresh, cold air, and embracing destinations where the season feels real. That’s why I spend as much of winter as possible away from my home in Los Angeles, in places where the chill bites and layers are a necessity. (I might be the only person who didn’t move to LA for the weather.) What I cook and eat also reflects my love for this season.

This time of year, I’m often a house guest—traveling to New York or Europe to see friends and family or any mountain adventure. One way I love contributing to the homes I stay in is by cooking a few meals (perhaps why I keep getting invited back). Is there anything better than hearty soup to warm you up after a chilly day of skiing or planning cozy night in with friends, a great bottle of wine, and a delicious meal shared around the table?

One of the things that draws me to Europe again and again is the way meals are approached—not just as sustenance, but as a ritual, a moment of connection. Whether in Spain, Italy, or Austria, (three countries I visited over the holidays) dining feels like an occasion, infused with hospitality and intention. Meals are lingered over, conversations stretch long into the night, and the simple act of gathering makes everyday life feel richer.

In contrast, in America, we seem to rush through meals like another task on the to-do list. Restaurants put a time limit on our tables, and we, in turn, critique them when service isn’t fast enough. But where are we all rushing to?

I’ve come across articles reflecting on this, and overhear the same sentiment in passing—this quiet longing for more connection. There is a need for meals that feel like moments instead of obligations. Maybe the secret isn’t just in the food, but in how we choose to experience it.

I’m here to defend soup as a complete winter meal. Whether it’s a hearty stew or a puréed vegetable soup, when served with fresh sourdough bread, good butter, cheese, and a fancy bottle of wine, it transforms into what I call a lazy-fancy meal.

A quick note on bread, butter, wine, and cheese—maybe it’s because I live in LA, but there’s a constant drumbeat around health, diets, and the “ins and outs” list of what we should be eating. Many of us believe that food in places like Europe is less processed (and yes, in part it is), but the real reason we feel better eating it abroad is because we’re happy and enjoying ourselves, and not holding stress in the pit of our stomach. It’s easy to feel like enjoying any of the above is an overindulgence. It’s not. These are components to make a humble dish, like soup, a satisfying and pleasurable meal.

So why not recreate that happiness at home—even if the reason is just a simple soup? Go to the good bakery, the cheese shop, and the wine store. Pick out the best of everything and make a lazy-fancy meal out of it. Set the table, pour a glass, and take pleasure in every bite.

Fennel & Potato, Leek Soup

This velvety soup combines the delicate sweetness of fennel, the mild savoriness of leeks, and the comforting richness of Yukon gold potatoes. A touch of cumin and nutmeg adds warmth and depth, making this a perfect cold-weather dish.