Betty Crocker comes through again!  This is a great soup for a cold winter’s night dinner.

1 roll of Jimmy Dean Pork Italian Sausage

2 large russet potatoes, cut into cubes (about 4 cups)

1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)

2 cloves garlic, pressed

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 cups water

3 1/2 cups chicken broth

handful of bacon from a package of Costco real crumbled bacon

1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup half and half

1  Cook sausage in Dutch oven over medium heat 6 – 8 minutes until no longer pink.  Drain on paper towels.

2  In same pan, mix potatoes, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, water and broth.  Bring to a boil then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3  Stir in bacon, sausage, and beans.  Cook 10 – 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.  Stir in half and half and cook just until heated through.

recipe adapted from Betty Crocker