Julia Child's potato leek soup

This is possibly my favorite food?  So good and comforting, it feels like it heals...
from Julia Child's  "Potage Parmentier"

"Leek and potato soup smells good, tastes good, and is simplicity itself to make... To change the formula a bit, add carrots, string beans, cauliflower, broccoli or anything else you think would go with it, and vary the proportions as you wish."

Makes about 2 quarts, serving 6-8



Ingredients:
1 pound (4 medium) peeled potatoes, sliced or diced
1 pound (3) thinly sliced leeks, including tender green
2 quarts of water
1 T. salt
2-3 T. butter (or cream)
2-3 T. parsley or chives
Simmer the vegetables, water and salt together, partially covered for 40-50 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Mash the vegetables in the soup with a fork.  Correct seasoning.  Stir in cream or butter by spoonfuls.  Decorate with herbs or dot with cold butter, if desired.

Note: When introducing this soup to children, dot with a few pieces of butter in a smiley face, and encourage the child to "fish out" the butter with their spoon to eat it.  Once they taste it, they are more likely to eat some.