I realize with all the sweet treats and appetizers I have been posting I am a bit behind on my dinner postings. I am saving them up for when I am taking a break during Christmas vacation.

With all the cookies and treats I have been posting I realized this morning that I have only had 2 cookies and 1 tiny bite of the Toffee Brownies (which were amazing). I have been baking all these cookies and treats with my family but they go right in the freezer after I take a few out to decorate and let the rest of the family let me know how they taste. I did decide to eat a two of the Chocolate Meatball Cookies because those are my favorites.

It’s funny being a large (my favorite is Pooh sized, in Disney vernacular, although I refer to myself as more Ursula-esque) person that people look at what is in your cart at the grocery store, what is on your plate in the restaurant or if you have, heaven forbid, a sweet treat in public. It doesn’t even phase me anymore. Although, after an appointment this morning I decided to stop at the grocery store to pick up a few things that I really wanted for meals. I was buying whole wheat bread, Triscuits, clementines, bottled water, cottage cheese and deli meat. Someone actually asked, “Starting a diet early?” It was an older woman so I took a breath before answering, “No, this is how I always eat.”  “Impossible,” was her answer. I smiled, said “Have a nice day!” and kept walking because I didn’t feel like over sharing my medical history and life lessons. Sometimes our size is not a reflection of what we eat but how our bodies are. I learned that a long time ago and it’s okay. I am still shocked when others think they have a right to comment or judge though.

So, why am I sharing this all today? Because I finally met a medical person who validated that I was okay today. Really. She seemed to understand and get me and my body and it was okay. I don’t think I have ever had this happen before today. It shouldn’t matter, but it finally felt good leaving the office not thinking just another person who doesn’t believe me or understand how my body works. I have never been “normal” or “typical” and I will never be and most of you will never be either. I should have learned this lesson for myself long ago. I get it with my kids and push back a bit when I know in my heart there is something more wrong but not for myself. Hmmm, maybe a goal for the new year. Listening to myself like I do for my children.

Anyways, this soup was delicious. It was 20 minutes beginning to end and if you have some homemade spaghetti sauce leftover from another meal or want to whip up a batch this soup is even better!

Verdict:

I love that this soup came together in about 20 minutes. My kids didn’t think I could pull it off but both of them were shocked when I called them to the table for dinner. Both children had two bowls and it is filling!

My mostly gluten-free son loved this meal because he could eat the same exact meal as us!

I served this with a green side salad and a loaf of crusty Italian bread for dipping if desired.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Italian Sausage, bulk or removed from casings
• 4 cups spaghetti sauce, you can use homemade or jarred – your preference
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 1/2 cups fat-free half and half
• 1 tsp. garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 10-15 basil leaves, chiffonade
• extra garlic, basil, salt and pepper to your taste
• Parmesan cheese, if desired, for topping

Directions:

1. In a large pot cook the Italian sausage breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.  After the sausage has begun browning add onion to the pan and cook the onion and sausage together. In the last-minute add the garlic to your pan.
2. Once the onion has softened and the sausage is browned remove all the extra fat from the pan as best as possible. I usually remove the sausage, garlic and onions from the pot with a slotted spoon and then wipe out the pan before returning the sausage and onion to the pan.
3. Add spaghetti sauce, basil leaves and chicken stock to the sausage and onions. Stir well. Bring soup to a slow simmer.
4. Add the half and half to the soup. Allow the soup to warm through. Taste the soup and adjust the spices to your liking.
5. Serve soup hot.