The ol' homestead

Soup Toscana (like Olive Gardens)

This is how I make Soup Toscana, like they serve at Olive Garden. It is very good and one of the kids favorite.

Italian sausage (or polish -sliced)

garlic/onion paste (or store bought minced)

chicken broth (I use powder)

2 cups milk

4 large baking potatoes (sliced)

1/2 lb. smoked bacon (cooked)

kale (chopped)

I fry some sliced Italian sausage ( I have used chicken, turkey or polish) in some olive oil with garlic/onion paste that I blend. Add about 6 cups of water, then enough chicken broth powder to make a nice flavor. Add 2 cups of milk. Slice about 4 large potatoes (skins on/scrubbed) thin and add this to the pot and cook about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are done. Chop some Kale and throw it on top before you eat. You can add about 1/2 pound cooked smoked bacon to this if you want but I usually do not. I also make some nice whole wheat butterhorn rolls to go with this and it is sooo yummy!