Olive Garden Zuppa Tuscana

From Recipezaar

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (I like mild sausage)
• 2 large russet baking potatoes, sliced in half,and then in 1/4 inch slices
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/2 can oscar meyer bacon bit
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups kale or swiss chard, chopped
• 2 cans chicken broth
• 1 quart water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

1. Cook sausage in a 300°F oven for approximately 30 minutes.
2. Drain sausages on paper towels and cut into slices.3
3. Place onions, potatoes, chicken broth, water, garlic in pot, and cook on medium heat until potatoes are done.
4. Add sausage and bacon.
5. Salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
7. Turn to low heat.
8. Add kale and cream.
9. Heat through and serve.

Old-Time Beef Stew

I've been going through a recipe book my mom gave all of us when I was first married. I think she got tired of me calling and asking for all my favorite recipes all the time. This is one that I really like. And once I left out the onions Matt liked it too.

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1/2 inch cubes - (I usually buy a small back of pre-cut beef stew meat. Cause I'm lazy like that.)
2 Tbsp. oil
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce (I omit this.)
1 clove garlic
1 medium onion, sliced
1-2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 pepper
8 carrots, peeled and sliced or 1 pkg. baby carrots
6 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 Tbsp. flour

--In large pot, thoroughly brown meat in oil. Add two cups hot water and next 7 ingredients. Cover; simmer 1 1/2 hours hours, stirring occasionally to keep from sticking. Remove bay leaf and garlic. Add vegetables. Cover and cook 30-45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Serves 6-8.

For Gravy: Skim most of fat from liquid; measure 1 3/4 cup liquid. Combine 1/4 cup water and 2 Tbsp. flour until smooth. Stir slowly into hot liquid. Cook and stir until bubbly, continue for three minutes. Stir into vegetable mixture.

Wonderful Punch

I found this on Little Birdie Secrets. It looks like it could be fun.


1-12 oz. can frozen orange juice
1-12 oz. can frozen lemonade
3 c. sugar
4 c. water
2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. almond extract
2-2 liter bottles of lemon-lime soda

Mix all ingredients except soda in a large punch bowl. Stir until frozen juices are melted and sugar is dissolved. Slowly add soda (it will fizz). Serve cold.