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Along with the fall tree colors and gray, cloudy weather hovering around our little community lately, It’s time to pull out the crockpot for a warm, low maintenance meal so more time can be spent nestled under a fluffy blanket watching your favorite comfort show or movie. 

One of my favorite hearty and simple recipes comes from my fast-paced sister, Cory Rice. Her Zuppa Toscana recipe has become her personal trademark among our family, and we find ourselves secretly hoping it is the main dish when she generously invites us over for dinner. 

I fell in love with the simplicity and slurp-able tastiness of this recipe, and I feel very confident you will too! 

Zuppa Toscana Ingredients: 

• 1 package of turkey sausage (or your preferred meat)
• 1 bunch of kale (add an extra bunch if you’re a kale lover)
• 1 package of vegetable stock (or your preferred broth)
• 1 container of Country Crock plant creamer or 1 can of coconut milk (sub heavy whipping cream for a creamier texture) 
• 8 oz. package of mushrooms 
• 5-6 medium sized potatoes of choice (russet or sweet potatoes are suggested)
• Paprika and/or Cajun seasoning. 

Directions:

• Turn the crockpot on high.
• Add the vegetable stock. (fill the stock container halfway with water and add if you’re adding an extra bunch of kale for a soupier texture)
• Cook sausage on the stovetop until the meat is done and add to the crockpot so flavors can soak in. 
• Add desired amounts of paprika and/or Cajun seasoning. 
• Wash, slice and add potatoes. 
• Wash, slice and cook mushrooms on the stovetop for a few minutes to enhance the flavor, then add to the crockpot. 
• Allow the crockpot to cook for a couple of hours, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fully cooked and soft.
• Once the potatoes are ready, add washed and chopped kale to the crockpot along with the plant creamer. 
• Stir until the kale is fully mixed in and then cook for another 30/45 minutes or until the kale texture is to your liking.
• Taste test for preferred seasoning and add more as needed.  
• Serve with a french baguette or your favorite bread to soak up the favors. Enjoy!