Lots to Love

Hope everyone had a nice Valentine's weekend. Mine was lovely. This was my beautiful Valentine's table. I made a batch of my Strawberry Cannoli and my sweet Mum got me six Sugar Free Chocolate Covered Strawberries YUM! and this gorgeous cake plate. I absolutely love it. You can change the ribbon to match the holiday.

It's raining today and from what I hear it will be this weekend too. The Farmer's Market is rain or shine, we have some die-hard farmers but the weather may put a damper on my hiking plans. Looks like I may have to Zumba again. Quick! Close the blinds!

I actually am enjoying the rain today. The neighborhood was getting dusty and needed a bit of a wash and I have been dying to make a big pot of Italian Grandma love.

Shelly's Tuscan White Bean Stew

4 Italian Sausage Links, hot or sweet, 1/2" slices (I used fully cooked Italian Chicken Sausage)
2 Yellow Onions, chopped
1 Tablespoon Garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons Good White White
1 (15 oz.) can Cannellini Beans, drained & rinsed
1 (15 oz.) can Garbanzo Beans (aka Chickpeas, Ceci) drained & rinsed
1 (10 oz.) bag Baby Spinach
1 (14.5 oz.) can Chicken Broth
1 cup Water
1 teaspoon Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper
2 Tablespoons of grated Parmesan plus a little more for topping
Olive Oil for sauteing

Saute onion till golden. Add sausage. I used fully cooked Italian sausage, if you are using uncooked cook till no pink is seen. Add all the remaining ingredients. Do not skip the wine, no one will catch a buzz off your stew, the alcohol will cook off but the flavor is vital. Simmer covered, on low 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you can make it earlier in the day or the night before and reheat even better. Everything gets a chance to love on each other. Serve with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan.
I used an absolutely delicious fully cooked Italian Chicken Sausage with Pepper & Onions made by AMYLU, ATK Foods. They also make those super yummy Sweet Caramelized Onion Chicken Burgers with Red Bell Peppers and Gouda Cheese I reviewed awhile back. Well these sausages are another winner. Highly recommend them. If you email the company I'm sure they will be able to tell you who locally carries them or looks like you can even order online. I will definitely add these to my Pantry Essentials List. Love them.



P.S. If you haven't already entered my Valentine Giveaway. Click here for the 411 on that.