Get Fresh: Leeks

These veggies are best in the winter months. Learn how to pick, store and clean leeks:

Leeks look forbidding but are easy to handle, and their sweet, mild flavor works wonders in savory dishes.

Sliced, sautéed or braised, they come to life when they're paired with fat--butter, cream, olive oil and especially cheese.

Won't cause tears during prep, but you will need to trim and clean them well to get to the good stuff.

Clean them by cutting off the root end and the tough green top. Halve the white party lengthwise; remove and discard the outer layer. Soak the stalks in cold water for 10 minutes, then rinse to remove the grit.