When there is ~ snow ~ outside.....

Oh! At long last there is snow!  Call me crazy but we all really wanted a bit of snow this winter.  It is stunningly gorgeous here when there is a small dusting or a few inches of snow on the ground.  We are not skiers...  (we wish we were though!) we just love to frolic in the stuff, take quiet snowy walks, or just look at it from the kitchen window..... while inside--making soup, mais bien sur!

This is one of the easiest ever soups to make.  My mom made a version of it when we were kids, when this very 'exotic' ethnic sausage called 'kielbasa' became popular in the US.  Here it is called  'saucisses fumees' and it is most commonly served German-style with kraut and boiled potatoes or lentils.

Because it tends to be salty and garlicky, it makes a great addition to a simple broth and veggie soup.  Also, as it is 'pre-cooked' the sausage is a great last minute addition. This soup is hearty but not heavy and very flavorful.


Winter 'Saucisse' Soup........

8 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 diced onion
1 leek diced
4 large carrots chopped in large pieces
5 potatoes, skinned and cut into large cubes
4 sausages
1/2 head of green cabbage
olive oil, salt, pepper

Lightly saute the vegetables in olive oil. Cover with stock and cook until tender.  Add sausage pieces and diced cabbage. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook until cabbage is tender.

Sit inside, watch the snow, listen to the bellowing winds.... and enjoy!

Stay warm mes amis!