Zuppa Toscana

h/t: Olive Garden copycat recipe
difficulty: easy
1/2 - 1 lb. italian sausage
2 large baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup chopped onion
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups spinach, chopped
4 cups water
Place onions, potatoes, chicken broth, water, and garlic in a pot. Cook on medium heat until potatoes are done (20 to 30 minutes). Add cooked sausage, bacon, salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Turn to low heat and add spinach and cream. Heat through and serve.
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This was requested by a friend, after she saw me bring the leftovers to work for lunch! This is a simple recipe, and is just as delicious as the Olive Garden version. The whole taste of the soup will depend on how spicy the sausage you add in. I use Bob Evan's Italian Sausage, in the green tube with the breakfast sausage.
This is complimented well with a crusty French loaf , and a fresh salad.

Chicken Pot Pie

h/t: family recipe, inspired by Sarah's recipe
difficulty: medium
3 cups shredded frozen hashbrowns
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 oz. can evaporated milk
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 cup frozen mixed veggies
1 tsp white pepper
1 package sliced swiss cheese
1 pie crust

lay the swiss cheese as shown, on top of the filling...remember to cut slits in the crust... you could even do shapes if you feel adventurous

I use this type of ready-made, easy roll-out crust...found in the bakery aisle

cook to a golden brown...

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine ingredients in large bowl. Stir together, then pour into empty pie plate. Cover with sliced swiss cheese, then with the pie crust. Cut slits in top of pie crust to vent. Bake for 45 minutes at 375, increase heat to 425 and bake for another 10 minutes.
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Well, I've been on hiatus for a while, trying new recipes at my leisure, and updating new favorites. Due to my typical lack of comments, I didn't realize how many people were reading this blog within my family. Until someone brought it up at a recent party, and a bunch of people acted disappointed I had not added recipes recently.
So, I'm back, and better than ever. I already have several family recipes ready to go here. Plus, a bunch of brand-new ones that we can try together, due to the abundance of cookbooks I received for Christmas!
Drop me a email or a comment if you try one of my recipes. And don't feel shy about sending me one of your favorites for me spotlight!