Friend of Julie: Pumpkin Sausage Soup

This pumpkin sausage soup recipe comes from one of my key friends. She served this at a family gathering and her grand-niece really enjoyed it. I made it last night and it was yummy. This may be just what you need in the cold winter nights ahead.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces) of Jimmy Dean plain sausage
• 1/2 cup onion, minced 
• 1 garlic clove, minced 
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasonings (packaged salad dressing)
• 1 -2 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped 
• 1 can pumpkin (15 ounce)
• 4 cups chicken broth (I used 2 cups - I like my soup thick)
• 1/2 cup whole milk 

Directions
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

1. Brown sausage, drain, then add the onion, garlic, Italian seasonings and mushrooms and sauté until done. 
2. Add pumpkin to this mixture and mix well. 
3. Stir in broth and mix well. Use less broth for a thicker soup; I used 2 cups.
4. Simmer 20-30 minutes. 
5. Stir in the milk and simmer on low another 10-15 minute. If soup is too thick, add more broth.
6. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed (optional). 

12/15/13: I'm making this recipe as I type and it is perfect for cold, snowy, winter days like today. It's ready in less than an hour and the whole house smells wonderful the whole time! If you haven't made this yet, add it to your short list of new recipes to try!

In Jennifer's kitchen

Jennifer, one of our contributors, also made this soup and shared a few words:

I just tasted it and all's I can say is OMG! Do I HAVE To share with my husband? I highly recommend it! easy TOO! -- Jennifer