Tuscany Peasant Soup

Ingredients

 * 4 Italian sausages; mild (pref
 * 1 Celery; inner stalk, diced
 * 3 Zucchini; medium, thinly sli
 * 1 Onion; small,
 * 3 c Beef stock
 * 1 cn Tomato sauce (8-oz)
 * 2 ts Fresh basil; chopped or 1/2
 * 1 Salt and pepper to taste
 * 1 Parmesan; grated or Roomano

Directions

 * 1) Slice sausages 1/2" thick. Using a large saucepan, brown sausages. (If turkey, spray pan first with vegetable spray.) Pour off any fat.
 * 2) Add celery, zucchini and onion. Saute 2 minutes, stirring.
 * 3) Put stock, tomato sauce and basil into crockery pot and mix.
 * 4) Heat on high (300) for 30 minutes. Add sausage-vegetable mixture to crockery pot.
 * 5) Turn to low and cook 2-3 hours. Salt and pepper to taste.
 * 6) Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated cheese.
 * 7) Serve this hearty soup accompanied by garlic-buttered toasted French bread.