Back to Blogging Soon!

Hi Fellow Bloggers and Blog Followers!!

This is just a little note to say that new blog posts will be posted within the next day or 2 -- including the "Recipe of the Week", "J's Pick of the Week" under the Book Nook, and also any replies to comments, posts, and emails you have left me. Things have been a little disorganized on the home front with my car needing new wheel barings while on my trip to visit family, and also the recent passing of my husband's great-grandmother, not to mention me reorganizing this week's dance teaching schedule to accommodate all of these unfortunate circumstances.
I appreciate all of your patience and understanding during this hectic and emotional week. I'm hoping to get caught up with things by Friday evening. Have a good Wednesday everyone! And for those of you who will experiencing the next upcoming snow storm, stay warm!

~* Recipe of the Week *~

It's winter, which means it's the perfect time to make all of those homemade soups and stews to warm our bellies and our hearts!!  I hope you try and enjoy some of my homemade favorites!!

Homemade Zuppa Toscana:

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups (650ml) chicken stock or broth

1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream

1 medium russet potato

2 cups (475 ml) chopped kale

1/2 lb ground spicy Italian sausage

1/4 tsp (1 ml) salt

1/4 tsp (1 ml) crushed red pepper flakes



Preparation:

~Combine the stock and cream in a saucepan over medium heat.

~Slice the unpeeled potato into 1/4-inch slices, then quarter the slices and add them to the soup

~Add the kale

~Saute the sausage in a frying pan until browned. Drain thoroughly on a plate with paper towels.

~Add the sausage to the soup.

~Add the spices and let the soup simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally.


** When I make it, I cook everything in a large crock pot on high until the potatoes get soft. Then I add the kale and cook it until it is softer as well. Make sure you check on the soup and stir it occasionally -- sometimes the cream and chicken broth get separated if the soup sits idle too long while cooking.


Goes great with homemade bread or garlic bread! Add a bit of grated parmesean cheese on top of the soup when serving for extra flavor. I double the recipe and then save some in containers in the freezer.

~* Enjoy!!!! *~