Cough, Cough, Sniffle, Sneeze - Mommy's Soup Is All I Need!

Hi Y'all and Happy Martin Luther King's Day.  

Please take a moment today and celebrate the legacy of this great man.  You do not have to attend a parade or anything grand just do something even if it is saying a prayer in his honor.  I will spend the day talking with my children about the many great things he did for the freedoms that they enjoy. 

Unfortunately, my youngest twin is sick again so mommy made soup and I wanted to share the recipe.  It is very simple and my kiddos love it.

It is just what mommy ordered to help his body heal.  So, grab a bowl some crusty bread or crackers (he loves Trader Joe's vegetable crackers) and a good MLK history lesson and enjoy.

Navy Bean Sausage Soup

Ingredients:

1 package Jimmy Dean Hearty Original Sausage Crumbles (I use the turkey sausage)
3 Slices of Fully cooked Bacon
2 Cups Frozen O'Brien potatoes with Onions and Peppers (I prefer Ore Ida Brand)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small chopped onion
1 small chopped green bell pepper
3 medium potatoes cut into 1 inch cubes
3 Cups of Chicken Stock (I prefer Free Range stock from Trader Joe's)
1 Cup of Vegetable Stock (I prefer organic stock or to make my own - recipe later this week)
3 Cans (15 ounces each) Organic Great Northern beans or white beans, 2 cans drained, one can you will not drain
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
3 cups fresh baby spinach (I prefer organic)
1 cup whole milk (make a richer soup)
shredded parmesan cheese (off the block) for garnish
Trader Joe's Vegetable Crackers
Ground pepper


Directions:

 1.  In heavy large sauce pan heat olive oil and add add fresh onion and bell pepper sautee until tender. 

2.  Add sausage, bacon, frozen potatoes, fresh potatoes, chicken broth, 1 can of drained beans, and one can of un-drained beans, Italian seasoning, and lemon pepper.

3.  Place remaining can of drained beans and vegetable broth in a blender or food processor; cover and process until smooth.  Stir into sausage mixture.

4.  Bring soup to a boil over medium-high heat;  reduce heat to low.  Simmer for 20-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Stir in milk and bring milk back to a simmer.  Stir in spinach and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until spinach is wilted.

5.  Serve in bowl and garnish with fresh parmesan cheese and ground pepper.

Enjoy!

This is a remake of Jimmy Dean's Quick Sausage Toscana Soup