Sausage Apple Chowder By Amanda Formaro

This spicy sweet chowder is perfect for a chilly winter evening. Warm up to a pot of this delicious and hearty soup after shoveling the driveway. Your family will thank you!

1 package hot Italian sausage links (about 5 links) 4-5 large potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried parsley 1 tablespoon dried basil 2 cloves garlic, minced 5 1/2 C chicken stock 1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes 2 cans (15 oz.) sweet corn 3/4 C milk 3 small red delicious apples, cored and cubed croutons

Serves 4 In a Dutch oven over medium high heat, brown sausage links. Drain off fat. Add potatoes, oregano, basil, parsley, and garlic. Toss to coat. Add chicken stock, tomatoes and enough water to cover all ingredients in the pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Add corn and milk and continue cooking, over medium heat, for 15 minutes. Add apples and cook for 5-10 minutes more, until apples are tender, but not mushy. Top with croutons and serve with warm bread. Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She and her husband live in southeastern Wisconsin. She is also the owner of FamilyCorner.com Magazine. Subscribe to her free weekly kid's craft newsletter, Busy Little Hands, by sending any email message to kidscrafts-on@mail-list.com.