Loaded Zuppa Toscana

INGREDIENTS

6 slices bacon uncooked
1 pound bulk/ground spicy Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped (approx. 1 ½ cups)
3 stalks celery, chopped (approx. 1 ½ cups)
4-6 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup flour
1 1/2 pounds/3 medium russet potatoes chopped into bite size cubes
1  15 oz. can cannellini beans rinsed and rained
1  15 oz. can can sweet corn rinsed and drained
1  15 oz. can creamed corn
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
3 cups milk
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
1 tsp EACH dried parsley, salt
1/2 tsp EACH dried basil, dried oregano
1/4 tsp EACH dried thyme, pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste (optional if you like heat)

Add later:

2-3 cups half and half
4 cups loosely packed  fresh chopped spinach or kale

Garnish (optional)

remaining bacon in directions
fresh parsley
Parmesan cheese

Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli looks so yum... Hope it turns out like the photo. 500 g gravy beef cut into strips. Chuck in slow cooker with 1 cup stock, 1/2 cup soy, 2 teaspoons minced garlic and tablespoon sesame oil. Cook 6-8 hours on low. Thicken with cornflour and add as much broc as you like, cook on high another 1/2 hour

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