Tough Love and Tuscan Soup

Let me open by saying that this is an odd topic. We will just get that right out on the table so that I know that you know that I know that I am a little crazy, thereby proving that I am mostly sane. Here goes... confession... I am emotionally bonded with my characters. Let the judging begin. Go ahead! Taunt me like that wacky, cow-throwing, "French" guy in Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail. (If you haven't seen that old classic, stop reading and go watch it. With friends. NOW.)
Look, I know it is a bad idea. If you are too attached, you can't hurt them and put them through the turmoil necessary to make for a really engrossing tale, right? You can't receive constructive criticism and make necessary changes! I've read all the blogs. I know the general consensus. Still, there I go... loving them like my own children. Exactly like my children. My sometimes naughty and needing lessons to deepen their character children. My dirty faced, ragamuffin, go to your room before I murder you children... that I adore and only want the very best for. Honestly. (You're judging again. I can feel it.)
I love my babies. But, I love them enough to be truthful regarding their faults and weaknesses as well as the amazing talents and strengths they possess. I love them enough to let them work things out for themselves and learn hard lessons that will grow them into outstanding people who have lived full and fulfilling lives. I feel much the same about my characters. The main difference between the two is that the literary babies have (hopefully) more extreme circumstances, thus calling for more extreme situations in which to grow and become that which they are intended to be. No one is ever safe in my books... just as no one is ever truly safe in this life.

Now after that warm and squishy post, have some soup to comfort you. This is another of my often asked for recipes... my take on Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana.

• ¾ stick of butter
• olive oil twice around the pot
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 lb. ground Italian Sausage (mild)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4-5 leaves of kale (stem removed, rough chop)
• 2 cans Vegetable Broth
• 2 Veggie Broth cans of water
• Ground Thyme, Salt and pepper to taste
• 4-5 potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• Around 1 ½ -2 cups milk (I really like to substitute milk for heavy cream when I can... FAB!!)
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese to garnish


Warm a large pot on the stove, melt butter and olive oil together. Saute sausage and garlic in butter/onion until brown. Add onions and kale, cook until onions clear and kale is wilty. Add the next four ingredients and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are done. Add milk. Stir well, let soup warm back up. Garnish with cheese and serve.


Tell me if you try it!