Toscana Soup *Lauren Perry*

Very much like Olive Gardens, but with a few added extras :) Its delish!

Ingredients
about 6 cups of chicken broth (I used 2 boxes + 1 can)
1 pint of heavy whipping cream
2 cloves chopped garlic
1 package of mild italian sausages, break up chunks
1 large russet potato (peel and cube)
1 cup of mini farfalle (bowtie) pasta
1/2 a white onion chopped
a bunch of chopped italian parsley
1 1/2 cups of chopped kale (I don't even add this, I end up picking it out)
1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes
garlic salt
pepper

top with parmesan

Directions
In a skillet, saute garlic, onions and italian sausage until sausage is cooked----- drain the fat
In a pot, throw everything (except the onions, garlic, and sausage) and bring to boil. Once it boils for a few minutes, set to simmer. Simmer 5 minutes and add the cooked onion, garlic, and sausage and simmer for 5+ minutes. Add garlic salt and pepper to taste

Black Bean and Rice Salad *Lauren Perry*

I wish I could claim this as my recipe or atleast a recipe that I found, but my mom sent it to me from another recipe blog (not sure which one). Its a wonderful little salad if you are going to a BBQ or having people over. Its very filling and full of flavor!

Ingredients
2 cups of white rice (pre-cook and chill)
1 can of black beans (drained)
1/2 cup chopped tomato
1 chopped avacado
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup olive oil
3 TBS lime juice
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 crushed garlic clove
salt and pepper

Directions
in a large bowl, mix tomato, avacado, red onions, beans, rice and cilantro. In a small bowl, wisk olive oil, sugar, cumin, garlic, and lime juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combine all ingredients until consistent.