Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana

1 pound pork sausage (I used Bob Evans original)

3 large russet potatoes, peeled, and diced

1 yellow onion, diced

1 large clove fresh garlic, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon fennel seed

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

32 ounces homemade chicken stock

4 small heads Melissa’s Baby Bok Choy, torn into bite-size pieces

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons flour

In a 10-inch sauté pan over medium heat, brown and crumble the sausage. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, hot pepper flakes, and fennel seed. Stir well to combine. Drain off the grease on a paper towel-lined plate, and place in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with potatoes, onion, and chicken stock. Stir in garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or until the potatoes are fork tender. Whisk together heavy cream and flour, and pour into slow cooker, add bok choy, and stir to combine. Cook on high an additional 30 minutes until soup has thickened. Season to taste, if needed.

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