Toscana Soup

The best part about this soup is that my girls helped me cook it. At first when they both came into the kitchen asking if they could help, I just wanted them to go away! I wanted some peace and quiet while I enjoyed cooking all by myself. But then I decided to take a different approach and try giving them jobs. Princess chopped the potatoes and onions, and Pumpkin tore up all the kale and sauteed the sausage. They both did a great job working together. I only wish I had thought to take pictures of them helping me cook!
Next time.

This is a recipe that my MIL gave to me. It is also good with Italian Sausage, if you want to try it that way. I used the red potatoes, kale, and onions from my veggie co-op in this recipe.

Toscana Soup
1 pkg. smoked sausage (Eckrich, Hillshire Farms, etc.), cut into pieces
2-3 slices bacon, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cubed potato
4-6 cups chicken broth
2 cups half and half, or whole evaporated milk
1 bunch kale, washed and coarsely chopped or torn into pieces

In large pot, saute sausage for a few minutes. Remove from pot and set aside. Add bacon and cook until crisp. Add onions and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, add potatoes and heat until boiling. Turn down and simmer until potatoes are partially cooked (about 10 minutes). Add milk or half and half and bring back to simmer. Add kale and cover with lid. It will cook down quite a bit. Cook another 5-10 minutes until kale is tender. Add sausage back to soup. Salt and pepper to taste.