Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup (A Family Favorite from the Pantry)

I've been kinda sorta inventorying/reorganizing the freezer, and I found a package of cheese tortellini.  And a stack of packages of Italian sausage.  AND a package of shredded parmesan cheese.  Inspiration!

All the ingredients for this soup are things I try to keep on hand all the time.  It's one of those great fast go-to recipes that makes everyone stop and say, "What smells so good?"

Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup (about 8-10 servings)

1 lb Italian sausage OR ground beef
2 medium onions, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
48 oz chicken broth
2 15 1/2-oz cans tomatoes with Italian seasoning, undrained
18-oz pkg refrigerated tortellini
10-oz pkg frozen chopped spinach
2 T minced basil
shredded parmesan

Brown the sausage, onions, and garlic,  Add broth and tomatoes.  Bring to a boil.  Add the tortellini, turn down the heat, and cook the tortellini  7 minutes.  Add spinach and basil.  Cook for 3 minutes.  Serve, topped with parmesan cheese, if desired, and crusty bread. 

NOTE:   I try to buy the sausage uncased, but if it's not available, buy it as sausage links, open the casings, and discard the casings before browning the meat.

Caprese Salad - A CSA Box Recipe

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, sliced
Olive oil
Salt
Fresh mozarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves, chiffonade (about 10-15 leaves)
Balsamic glaze

Arrange tomato slices on a plate or platter.  Drizzle olive oil over the slices.  Lightly salt all the tomatoes.  Arrange the cheese pieces and basil leaves over the tomatoes.  Drizzle balsamic glaze over all.

This is a great way to use up the late summer tomato explosion, and it's quick and easy to make.