HOT SOUP: This is a traditional and possibly old-fashioned soup that used to be popular in the old days, and might well have disappeared from the nowaday menu. But it is a hearty soup that can be a meal in one.

COCK-A-LEEKIE—ENGLISH CHICKEN & LEEK SOUP:

5lb. stewing chicken                                       

1 cup rice

15 cups cold water                                          

salt and pepper

8 large leeks, washed and sliced

Cut chicken into 8 to10 pieces, remove and discard skin.  Place in a large pot with the water. Cover, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken is tender, skimming off froth that rises to the surface from time to time.

Remove chicken with tongs. When cool enough to handle, separate the meat from the bone and cut meat into ½-inch dice.

Add leeks into liquid in the pot and cook for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook rice in 4 cups water for 5 minutes. Drain and add partially-cooked rice to the soup and cook 15 minutes more. Add salt and pepper to taste. Return chicken meat to the pot and heat through.

Serve soup in heated serving bowls.