Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

So my personal favorite is Olive Garden's Pasta Fagioli soup, but my mom is obsessed with their Zuppa Toscana so I thought I would give it a shot! I even got Erka's approval and she is a former Olive Garden employee people so buckle up! And yes, like I said in the Pasta Fagioli post, I know Olive Garden isn't "real" Italian. That doesn't mean it isn't delicious and doesn't cover my mouth in a party of awesome. Step off.

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb. Italian sausage
• 2 large yukon gold potatoes, cut in half lengthwise and then 1/4" thick (think little half moons)
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 lb. bacon
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 c. kale, finely chopped
• 2 cans (15oz) chicken stock
• 1 qt. water
• 1 c. half and half 

How To Cook It: 

• brown sausage and break it up really well, drain and set aside
• cook bacon, then chop it
• place onions, potatoes, chicken broth, water, garlic in pot 
• cook on medium heat until potatoes are done
• add sausage, bacon, salt, and pepper to taste
• simmer for another 10 minutes
• turn to low heat, add kale and half and half 
• heat through and serve