Tuscan Soup

Tuscan Soup
~this has such a wonderful flavor and is a great way to eat your greens!!! you can use all kale, but it has a stronger flavor.  the bok choy makes the dish.  you could use all bok choy and leave the kale out....but kale is good for you! ;)


1/2 lb turkey bacon
1/2 lb Italian sausage
4-6 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken stock, 2 cups water and 1 bullion cube
2 cups whole milk
1/2 head of kale, well washed and chopped
1/2 head of bok choy, well washed and chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese

-In a stock pot, cook the bacon.  Cool and finely chop.If using turkey bacon there shouldn't be a large amount of grease.
-Cook the sausage, onions, and garlic (in bacon grease) until the sausage has browned. Crumble sausage as you cook it. 
-Add the potatoes and stock (and water and bullion cube) and bring to a boil. Once it has reached a boil, turn it down to low and simmer for 20 minutes or so, just until the potatoes are tender. 
-Add the milk, kale, and bacon and allow to cook for 5-10 minutes. Season to taste. 
-Top with parmesan cheese for extra flavor! Enjoy! Makes 6-8 servings. Freezes well.

Garden Chowder

Garden Chowder
~this soup is one of my favorites.  It's packed w/ veggies and has a creamy, cheesy flavor similar to potato soup.  Wonderful and healthy on a cold night!~

1/2 c. chopped bell pepper
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/4 c. butter
1 c. diced potato
1 c. diced celery
1 c. diced cauliflower
1 c. diced carrots
1 c. diced broccoli
3 c. water
3 chicken bullion cubes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. flour
2 c. milk
1 tsp. parsley
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. coriander
1/4 tsp. ground mustard
2 cups shredded cheddar

Saute bell pepper and onion in butter till tender.
Add veggies, water, bullion and pepper; bring to a boil.
Reduce, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
Combine flour and milk. Stir till smooth.  Add to pan.
Allow to thicken.
Add parsley and other spices.
Just before serving add cheese.