Leeks, and Onions freshly picked from one's Garden.

The Allium Family is a huge one comprising Onions of different kinds White, Red, Brown, Spanish, Roscoff Onions. But it is also one which has amongst its ranks the Spring Onions, Red, Purple, White, big or thin. 

British Large Spring Onions. Spring Onions are also called Salad Onions because they are often used in Salad. However in Asia Cuisine they are used in a different aray of Dishes from Curries, to Ramen and Stir Fries passing by Soy Sauce Dip.

If we stay within the smaller Onion range, the Pearl Onion, the Silverskin are often used pickled and as a coktail Onion. They are usually accompanied with Gherkins. 

Silverskin Onions are found in Jars most of the time. However you can grow your own and then pickle them to your convenience, with the Vinegar you like and with other combination of Veg to pair with them.

Then you have the Shallots in the Allium Family, they do range from fairly small to the long Banana Shallots or Echallion Shallots also known as Scallion. Sweeter than Onions, they are my favourite to use in the Kitchen. Their multilayered flesh has a pinkish to a red tone to them. Restaurateurs and Chefs often cook with Shallots in their more elegant Dishes.

 My bowl of mixed Shallots in the Kitchen.

From mixed Shallots we can pass to Leeks and Baby Leeks. Leeks are such a useful Ingredient in the Kitchen. It is one of the essential components to many Soups, Stocks and Stews. It can enhance many a Dish. Often I prepare them sautéed in a little Butter then add some cream and make Leeks becoming a lovely Side for a White Flesh Fish like Sea Bass, or a chunky unbattered piece of fleshy Cod. Baby Leeks à La Vinaigrette as a Starter is delicious, if you haven't tried, do so especially if you do grow Baby Leeks.

Baby Leeks, smaller than the normal Leeks and daintier yet tasty, they make a great filling for Chicken, Leeks and Mushrooms, creamy individual Chicken Pies.

They are quite easy to grow as well. If you choose a Leek with some roots put it in a little Ramequin with Water. You need to cut the Leek roughly about 4 cm from the root system and within a week you will start seeing another Leek appearing, from the centre of the Cuttings. It is quite marvellous to witness. Wait until the new green Leek stem is approximatelly 12 cm then plant the Leek into a Pot or directly into the ground. The Magic will countinue and you will have a new Leek to enjoy soon upon the table.