Zuppa Tuscana

At some point last year, Mel tried taking part in a Recipe Exchange chain email.  Though she only wound up receiving 3 recipes from it (as opposed to an expected 20 - chains are always a roll of the dice), it was worth it because this Zuppa Tuscana recipe was one of them and it is DELISH!  It's super simple to make, and the results are perfect for a chilly autumn or winter night.  Reheats beautifully as well.  Give it a try for sure!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 2 large russet baking potatoes, sliced in half, and then in 1/4 inch slices
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup bacon bits (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups kale or 2 cups swiss chard, chopped
• 2 (8 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 1 quart water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1. 1.  Chop or slice uncooked sausage into small pieces.
   2.  Brown sausage in your soup pot.
   3.  Add chicken broth and water to pot and stir.
   4.  Place onions, potatoes, and garlic in the pot.
   5.  Cook on medium heat until potatoes are done.
   6.  Add bacon.
   7.  Salt and pepper to taste.
   8.  Simmer for another 10 minutes.
   9.  Turn to low heat.
   10.  Add kale and cream11.  Heat through and serve.