My friend Scott sent me this lovely recipe for Zuppa Toscana, my favorite soup from Olive Garden. My friend Mary just gave us a lovely head of kale from her winter garden so now I'm up for making some of this delicious soup. Do you have any favorite winter soup recipes to share?

Zuppa Toscana

1 pound Italian sausage

1½ tsp crushed red peppers

1 large diced white onion

4 Tbsp bacon pieces

2 tsp garlic puree

10 cups water

5 cubes of chicken bouillon

1 cup heavy cream

1 lb sliced Russet potatoes, or about 3 large potatoes

¼ of a bunch of kale

1. Sauté Italian sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot. Drain excess fat, refrigerate while you prepare other ingredients.

2. In the same pan, sauté bacon, onions and garlic for approxiamtly 15 mins. or until the onions are soft.

3. Mix together the chicken bouillon and water, then add it to the onions, bacon and garlic. Cook until boiling.

4. Add potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.

5. Add heavy cream and cook until thoroughly heated.

6. Stir in the sausage.

7. Add kale just before serving.

Delicious!Buon appetito!or go to http://www.tuscanrecipes.com/recipes/olive-garden-zuppa-toscana.html