PHEW!

I made it through the first week! It actually went well, although I'm still learning a couple of names (this is usually the case when I get myself all psyched out about things.) Tuesday was the first day so I planned Zuppa Toscana for dinner. I knew looking forward to it's comfort would help get me through the day. This recipe is pretty close to how I make it.

1 lb Italian Sausage
2 russet potatoes - sliced, skin on
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups kale or swiss chard
2 cans chicken stock
4 cups water
1 cup heavy cream or half and half
1/2 t fennel seed
Directions

Cook sausage and drain grease. Place onions, potatoes, chicken broth, water, and garlic in a pot and cook on medium heat until potatoes are done. (15 - 25 minutes) Add sausage and salt and pepper to taste. (I never add either) Simmer for another 10 minutes. Turn heat to low and add greens and cream. Heat and serve.

While I love OG's breadsticks I found Tuscan Artisan bread at Albertsons that was amazing! I still haven't gotten around to trying out my new cookbook!

The weekend was faily restful. Saturday we took Stella to the park after her nap - she cannot get enough of being outside. The poor winter baby has spent so much of her little life couped up indoors. She had a blast. Jim tried to take her down the slide but she was perfectly content to walk around in the wood chips and practice going back and forth over the curb!

Finally, you all use Google Reader right? I love it! Now I can keep up on all of the blogs with very little effort on my part. And - it frees up a whole lot of room from my favorites list!