Spicy Potato Soup

My mom and step-dad plant a ton of potatoes and onions each year, so we're always trying to find new ways to use them. I found this recipe on about.com. It uses spicy sausage, such as andouille or chirizo. Or if you don't like spicy sausage, you can used smoked.



Spicy Potato Soup
3 tbsp butter
1 cup chopped onion
1/2  cup chopped celery
16 oz spicy sausage
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
1 tsp dried basil
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp salt
4 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover potatoes and sausage)
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1. In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and sausage. Saute until onions are tender and sausage is browned (if not pre-cooked).
2. Stir in flour until well-blended.
3. Add chicken broth, green onions, and spices. Stir until blended.
4. Add potatoes and simmer covered for about 25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in heavy cream and cook for another 2 minutes.

Sausage-Cauliflower Penne

I found this delicious recipe on FoodNetwork.com. They used spaghetti, but I prefer penne in most dishes like this. I skipped the scallions as I didn't have any. While super tasty, it's not the most visually appealing. I might revisit this recipe later on and add a bit of color (green peppers maybe?), whole wheat pasta, and mushrooms. This recipe might be even better if you use vegetable stock in place of the reserved cooking water.

Sausage-Cauliflower Penne
1 16oz box Penne
1 small head of cauliflower, broken into florets
12 oz Sweet Italian Turkey Sausage
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Save 2 cups of water from the pasta.
2. Remove casings from sausage and brown in skillet with oil. Break up with wooden spoon. Once sausage is browned, make a hole in the middle and add garlic. Saute until lightly browned.
3. Add cauliflower to skillet and cook until slightly brown. Add a cup of the reserved cooking water and cover the skillet. Cook until cauliflower is tender. Remove lid and continue cooking until most of the water has evaporated.
4. Add pasta to skillet and toss with sausage and cauliflower. Sprinkle cheese over the top and mix until cheese melts. Salt and pepper to taste.
5. Savor every bite!