O.K. so clearance meat does not sound like something you want to eat! When they put it on clearance it isn’t past its date just close. I always make sure to check the meat sections and make friends with my butcher to find out when they mark meat down. If we are not able to use it right away then I toss it in the freezer.
Friday at Randalls I found the Eckrich Beef Sausage 2lb (was $9.99) marked down to $4.99. I grabbed 2 packages and used $0.55/1 Eckrich Smoked Sausage, exp. 9/30/11 (SS 08/28/11 R). My total was $9.99 for 4lbs! I will use this on our very favorite soup recipe!
This is a family favorite recipe in our house. This is what my son asked for his birthday dinner a few weeks ago. Served with a salad and some crusty bread this is the best soup ever. I do add the kale at the end, I cut off the large vein down the middle, bunch it up and julienne it. I add it at the end and give it just a few minutes to soften up. This soup is even better the nest day!
Zuppa Toscana Soup (From Olive Garden)
Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients:
1 pound Italian sausage ( I use the beef sausage above)
1 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 large white onion, diced
4 slices bacon chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups Water
1 cup Heavy cream
3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
3 cups Kale, washed and roughly chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
directions:
1. In a medium skillet, slice and saute the Italian sausage with the red pepper flakes. Drain excess fat, set aside.
2. In a large soup pot, saute the bacon. When the bacon is half way cooked, add the onions and garlic. Saute until the onions are tender-about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil.
4. Add the potatoes and cook until soft, about 30 minutes.
5. Add in the heavy cream and sausage and cook until the soup is heated.
6. Stir in the chopped kale. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Amber says
Oh man, that was all Greek to me. Or maybe Italian 🙂 I really need to learn how to cook more.
lisa says
What happened to the pics…..lol…:)
Tiffany says
Oh! I thought about taking pictures last week but then figured it was to hot to post soup recipes! We will have it again this week so I will take some and repost it!
Amber R. says
You always have the best recipes! I love it!
lisa says
Thanks!!
Therese says
This is one of the best recipes ever. I have been making this soup for about 5 years and I just can’t wait for it to get cooler.
Melissa says
WE have been trying to duplicate this recipe for so long and have come soooo close! I am excited to try this version out! Thanks so much for sharing!
Shannon S. says
I love this soup and make it a few times a year. I substitute the kale with fresh spinach since we aren’t a fan of kale and it still tastes great
Jeanette says
I just found your page a couple weeks ago. I absolutely love that you include ways to use the products! It makes life so much easier! Thank you.
Lindsey says
Oh, this was SO yummy! Thanks for posting this!
Monica says
Tiffany, the soup sounds delish! Will you repost the recipe for the funeral potatoes? Thanks for all you do.
Katie says
OMGosh! This is the exact Zuppa Tuscana recipe I use. We LOVE it too!! In fact…I am always a little bit dissappointed eating Olive Gardens after I have made this recipe, because it seems to be a bit creamery to me. Yum!! How was using the sauage link? I have always used the bulk Italian sausage. And I can’t add enough of the kale…that is my favorite part! 🙂
KC says
OMG!! I made this on monday for my boyfriend and he loved it, needless to say I’m the laziest cook ever, but this has inspire me to cook more. 😀 you’re such a doll. I read your blog DAILY, that being said I’m single and don’t have any kids, well besides my adorable dogs, and love all your saving tips.
Ronda says
Oh, I can’t wait to try this one! Thanks so much, Tiffany!