Recipe of the Month

Okay, I've been such a slacker this summer!  I hope this recipe makes up for my absence.  It's my all time favorite homemade soup.  I totally found it by chance online at A Thrifty Mom.  It's based on the Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden and has been a favorite in our family ever since.  I'm glad it's finally cooling off so I can justify making hot soup.  I don't have a photo so I'll have to show a swiped picture from another blog.  Enjoy!

In a big ol' soup pot throw in

1 1/2 lbs of Italian sausage (pork, chicken, turkey, whatever)  I prefer the spicy pork kind.  Make sure it's bulk or cut off the casings and crumble.

1 diced onion

When the meat is browned, remove from the pot and drain the grease.  I like to keep a little on the meat for more flavor.  Put the meat back in and now add to the pot

6 or 7 medium diced potatoes.  I like the skins on.  I like the flavor and I'm too lazy to peel.

8 cups of chicken broth

3 cups heavy cream

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp red pepper flakes (more or less based on your heat tolerance)

Bring to a slow boil on medium heat.  Make sure you stir it pretty often.  DON'T let it curdle!  I did once and it ruined the whole batch.  Turn the heat down to med/low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

While that's cooking wash and chop

6 cups kale

After the 20 minutes are up, add the kale, cover and continue simmering for another 30 minutes.

I admit this soup takes FOREVER to make but it's so worth it!  Serve with garlic bread.  Eat it.  Love it.  Yum!