Toscana Soup

I love this soup! This is a copy of Olive Garden soup. For diabetes it is fine as is in moderation, but I also make it low fat. Enjoy
 * Contributed by Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group
 * Source of Recipe: Lhj
 * Makes 6 Servings.

Ingredients

 * 3 links of Italian sausage (I use turkey Italian sausage)
 * ¾ cups chopped onions
 * 1 slice bacon, diced
 * 1¼ tsp minced garlic
 * 1 can (13¾ or 14½ oz) chicken broth (low-sodium)
 * 2 cups water
 * 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced (I use 1 potato or none and cube real small)
 * 2 cups thinly sliced fresh kale
 * ⅓ cup heavy or whipping cream (fat free ½ and ½)

Directions

 * 1) Heat oven to 300°F.
 * 2) Bake 3 links Italian sausage on jelly-roll pan 15 to 20 minutes.
 * 3) Drain on paper towels; cool.
 * 4) Cut into ¼ inch thick slices.
 * 5) Cook onions and bacon in saucepan over medium heat 3-4 minutes.
 * 6) Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
 * 7) Add can of chicken broth, water and potatoes.
 * 8) Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer 25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
 * 9) Stir in fresh kale,cream and sausage; cook 5 minutes.