When gathering recipes for this round up, over and over again cooks, food bloggers, and recipe testers asserted that leeks are “upgraded onions.” We love all alliums without bias, but we’ve got to agree that leeks add a little somthin’ special that you can’t get from their relatives. See for yourself when you try these recipes.

Jonica Strongman, Manager of the West Seattle Farmers Market, knows that the way to the heart is through the stomach. (Just ask her husband Kel). She shared her family’s recipe for hearty potato leek soup to help us warm our bellies and spirits this holiday season. The best part? You can find nearly all these ingredients at your local farmers market.