Not Zumba, but Zuppa!  As in Zuppa Tuscana.  It’s a soup.  A favorite soup recipe that I got from my cool friend Lauren.  The recipe is basically a copycat recipe from Olive Garden’s classic Zuppa.  Anyways, Larry and I make it lots, and when it was mentioned that it would be great to have a new soup for couple’s retreat and dinner theater, I offered to share the goodness.  Since many have asked I will continue to share the goodness.  Enjoy a flavorful, cozy classic from our home to yours this winter…..

1 lb. italian sausage
1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper (careful—if you add too much some people get finicky)
1 large diced onion
4 Tbsp bacon pieces (about three strips or whatever you feel like)
3 tsp. crushed garlic (I add more when no one is looking…)
10 cups water
5 cubes of chicken bullion
1 cup heavy cream (or half and half if you are feeling fat…is there such thing as light cream?)
2 lbs of sliced red potatoes
1/4 bunch of kale or spinach (use lots! it is good for you and will shrink down)

1)  Saute sausage and pepper in pot.  Drain and remove fat from the pot and set sausage aside.
2)  Saute bacon, onions in the same pot.  Add garlic.
3)  Add water, bullion, and boil.  Add potatoes and cook till soft. (about 1/2 hour)
4)  Before serving add the cup of cream Heat, but don’t boil.  Add sausage back in the pot.
5)  Cut kale or spinach into strips and add just before serving.
6)  Enjoy with some good bread.

(er…this is not taken from my table.  It is from the Olive Garden.  Are you kidding me?!—we are usually too busy eating to bother with such pictures.)