Dan Abel > wrote:

> I've never understood the popularity of leeks. They cost a lot of money

Compared to what? Meat? Fish? They are just more expensive than some
other vegetables.

> and are hard to clean and cut.

What's so hard? Cut off the root, cut off most of the green part. What
is left is a solid stem. Give it a quick rinse and chop it up... that's
all.

Do you feel the same way about celery, which is very similar to leeks in
this regard?

> Then they tell you to throw half away
> (or "save for other uses").

The green part can be used for stocks. Separate the leaves and give
them a quick rinse. The centre part where sand is sometimes found can
be discarded.

Victor