This Week on Etsy...Italia Craft

It's official, I am a victim of the bad economy. I was laid-off from my job 4 weeks ago. It is still taking me a while to get used to the idea of not working, but I realize I have time to put some ideas into action.

One thing that I have wanted to do for some time is feature Etsy shops that I adore on my blog. And now here we are with my first pick. Of course, it had to be something European. I have selected Italia Craft. What I personally find interesting about Italia Craft is the style and prints of wallets, lap top cases and more. I am sure you will appreciate the unique style as I do.

Italia Craft has been open since December, 2006 and appears to have quite a following. All items are handmade in Italy. If that is not impressive I am not sure what is. Finding good buys is just another day in my European Style Life.

Toscana Soup Recipe

Nothing can bring comfort to the soul like a great bowl of soup on a cold rainy day or to ease symptoms of the flu. Try this simple recipe for a healthy and comforting dinner. If you try the soup recipe, I'd enjoy hearing your comments. Please post them for all to enjoy!

Toscana Soup

1lb uncooked Hot Italian sausage links (note: the spicier the sausage, the better the soup. You can also use turkey sausage.)

1/2 chopped onion

8 strips of bacon diced

2 garlic cloves minced

4 c water (or replace with all chicken stock)

2 cans (14.5 oz) chicken broth

3 cups potatoes

3 cups sliced spinach or kale

1 cup of heavy whipping cream

Remove sausage casing. Cook sausages fully. Drain. Cut into bite-size pieces. Saute onion and bacon until onion is tender. Add garlic; saute for 1 minute so that garlic doesn't get bitter.-add water, broth, and potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20 min or until potatoes are tender. Add sausage, spinach (or kale), and cream to soup; heat through but do not boil. Yield: 3 quarts