Zuppa Toscana

I love Olive Garden during lunch. Mike and I always get the soup and salad combo. Mike gets the Pasta Fagioli and I get the Zuppa Tuscana. It’s so yummy. However, I think I have found a better replacement. It’s not as spicy as Olive Garden’s, but I prefer it less spicy (you could definitely spice it up if you want). It was a real hit with Rose.

Zuppa Tuscana


1 package of Jimmy Dean sausage
1/2 small onion chopped
2-3 celery chopped
Olive oil
4-5 Russett potatoes cut in bite size chunks
3 cans chicken broth
1 pint half/half milk or cream
1 cup chopped Kale
Garlic Salt


In large stock pot cook sausage until crumbly and drain off fat. Set meat aside and sauté onion and celery in pot with olive oil until tender. Add potatoes and chicken broth and season with garlic salt. Cook until tender then add the half and half and kale simmer until thoroughly heated. Serves about 8.


Okay Matt...it's your turn.

Also,

I have to talk a little about my favorite beverage. Mexican Coke or Hecho en Mexico Coke. It's so good. You will never be able to drink any other kind of Coke again. That's really all there is to say. Go to Costco and buy it.

Chick Food

Matt has invited me to contribute to his blog. I suppose that means I'll be representing the chick food. This recipe is so yummy. I feel pretty safe in calling it chick food, because of the reaction I get from Mike when I want to make it (and nothing else) for dinner. His reaction usually is complete disgust....a salad for dinner??? A man needs his meat apparently.

Tortellini Caesar Salad

1 package (19 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons lemon juice
8 cups torn romaine
1 cup seasoned salad croutons
Halved cherry tomatoes, optional

Directions

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, milk, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and garlic.

Drain tortellini and rinse in cold water; transfer to a large bowl. Add romaine and remaining Parmesan. Just before serving, drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Top with croutons and tomatoes if desired.

I don't have a lovely picture to attach....but imagine a caesar salad with tortellini in it.