Zuppa Toscana (just like Olive Garden's!)

So I made this soup tonight, and as little Ethan was sipping his broth he busts out, "this de-WISH-ous!"  Talk about making my day!  (Soooo reminded me of when Jacob said the same thing when he was two--at Davis's wedding about the italian sodas--haaha!)  Anyhow, here's the recipe.  It totally rocks!

1 lb. mild italian sausage
1/2 pkg. bacon
3/4 c. onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large baker potatoes, cubed
10 c. water
10 chicken boullion cubes
1 c. heavy cream
1 bunch kale, stems removed, leaves chopped
*red pepper flakes-- Jason likes his spicy and just adds these to his bowl.

Get bacon and sausage cooking while you chop all your veggies-- I usually do the sausage in the pot I intend to make the soup in!  Set meats aside on paper towels to drain.  Cook onion in large pot until almost clear. Add garlic and crumbled bacon- cook for an additional minute.  Add potatoes, sausage, water, and boullion cubes.  Simmer/boil for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.  Turn off heat.  Add kale and cream.  Stir, allow kale to just wilt, and ENJOY!  Best served with crusty garlic bread and caesar salad!

Broccoli Cheese Soup

This soup is a little different than Mom's, because it uses Velveeta cheese instead of cheddar. I make both recipes, but use different recipes to switch it up a bit. If you've ever had Jason's Deli's Broccoli Cheese soup, this tastes similar.

1/2 stick butter
1 onion, diced
3 c. half and half
1 c. milk
2 heads of fresh broccoli
1/3 c. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
16 ounces Velveeta Cheese, cubed
salt to taste

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring the onion until tender.  Wash and trim the ends of the broccoli (including the small stems because they are good in the soup). Chop into small pieces. Add broccoli, chicken broth and half and half . Cover and bring to a boil. Then simmer until broccoli is tender, about 10-15 minutes.

In a small bowl whisk together milk, cornstarch, pepper and garlic salt. Add to boiling broccoli mixture, stirring until thickened, about 3-4 minutes,

Reduce heat to low-medium and stir in cheese until melted. Add salt to taste.

(half and half can be substituted for 4 cups of chicken broth if you want)