Potato Tuscanna Soup

The recipe for Potato Tuscanna Soup was originally given to me, by my friend Leslie Worst. I changed the recipe slightly (very very slightly) to make it my own.  Thank you so much Leslie.  My family just loves it!

2 pounds Bulk Italian Sausage
1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
4 Slices Thick Cut Bacon
1 large Chopped Onion
2 Heaping Teaspoons Chopped Garlic
8 Medium Potatoes
2 Boxes Chicken Stock
3 or 4 cupsChopped Kale


1. In a large Dutch Oven, brown 2 lbs loose (No casing) Italian Sausage in 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil and 1 tsp red pepper flakes.  (Be Careful with the red pepper flakes, 1 tsp goes a long long way)
2.  Remove Sausage and Pepper Flakes to large bowl.
3.  In the same Dutch Oven, brown 4 thick sliced bacon strips, cut into small pieces and 1 large chopped onion. You may need to add another tablespoon of EVOO.  After the bacon and Onion are browned, add 2 heaping teaspoons of minced Garlic, (I use the pre-chopped Garlic in Olive Oil, cause I am lazy!) that you can now purchase in any grocery store near the produce department.  Remove the Bacon, Onion and Garlic to the bowl that has the Sausage and Red Pepper Flakes. 
4.  Wash, pat dry and chop in bite sized pieces, 8 medium or 6 large red skin potatoes. No need to peel, unless you choose.  However if you are using "older" potatoes, you will have to indeed peel them!
5.  Add 2 more tablespoons of Olive Oil into the Dutch Oven, if necessary (over those browned bits, left over from the meat/onion mixture)  Add the potatoes and cover with a lid.  Brown the potatoes slightly.  (Maybe 5 minutes or so, but stir often!)
6.  Add 2 boxes of chicken stock(32 ounces each) to the potatoes.  Add the meat mixture back in to the broth and simmer on low for about 20 minutes. 
7.  Add 2 cups of half and half to the mixture and simmer another 10 minutes.  Maybe you don't have enough half and half....  Canned Milk mixed with regular milk will work too!
8.  Add 1 bunch of kale (about 1/2 lb) chopped into bite sized pieces to the soup
9.  Add 1/2 cup good Parmesan Cheese and keep a bit extra for topping later in a bowl.

Just Fabulous anytime, but especially on a Cold Winter Day!