Recipe: Winter Minestrone (using sausage, squash, potatoes and beans, crock pot)

WINTER MINESTRONE

1 pound uncooked Italian sausage or pork sausage links, cut into 3/4-inch slices
2 1/2 cups winter squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes*
1 1/2 cups potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium fennel bulbs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed abd drained
1/2 teaspoon dried sage, crushed
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 cup dry white wine
4 cups kale or fresh spinach, chopped

In a large skillet cook the sausage until brown; drain well.

In a 5 to 6 quart crockery cooker place the squash, potatoes, fennel, onion, garlic, beans, and sage. Top with sausage. Pour broth and wine over all.

Cover crock pot and cook on LOW heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.

Stir in kale or spinach. Cover crock pot and cook on HIGH for 5 minutes more.

*Any variety of winter squash - butternut, acorn, Hubbard, or turban - will furnish this version of the classic Italian vegetable soup with a bright color and gentle sweetness.

Makes 8 servings
Adapted from source: Better Homes and Gardens Crockery Cooking