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So, it’s official – I’m a wuss. Was it just a short week ago that I was whining about the heat and wishing for some cooler weather? Well it’s here and now I’m freezing my butt off!

The sad thing is, it’s only getting down into the mid-40’s at night, but it might as well be Fargo in January as far as I’m concerned. And it’s embarrassing because I grew up in New England and would sometimes refuse to wear a coat out until it got below 32 degrees just on principle! I was tough, people! Now the indoor temp got down to 69 the other night and I had to unpack my Snuggie just to watch TV! Yes, I have a Snuggie. It’s hot pink, it’s warm and toasty, and I can’t live without it…don’t judge. I guess this cold intolerance means I’m officially Southern now. Maybe I should just stop fighting it and start saying y’all, drinking sweet tea, and listening to country music… yeah, that’s not going to happen.

Anyway, I realized that though I was looking forward to cooler weather, I was woefully unprepared for it. It only got up into the 60’s the other day and when I went to get my 5 year old son dressed, I realized he didn’t have any long pants that fit! He’s been wearing shorts for so long that he grew out of all of his old jeans. Now I need to take him clothes shopping so he doesn’t look like he’s expecting a flood. The problem is, if I take him in the morning, or at night, and he’s wearing shorts and it’s freezing, then people will think I’m a horrible mother. But if I let him wear his 3-inch too short jeans, I’ll end up on the people of Walmart website to be mocked by the entire interweb. I seriously considered ordering a bunch of clothes online, but then I have to wait for shipping and we won’t be able to leave the house for days. So my brilliant strategy is to shop mid-day today when it’s supposed to hit the high 70’s and he can get away with shorts one last time. But the window of opportunity is closing so I have to get going soon or wait for another warm day. First world problems…

So while I’m unprepared in the clothing department, one thing I’ve got down is this soup. I’ve been making versions of it for years because it’s so simple and delicious. My friend Becky introduced me to it and I loved it instantly. She made hers with white beans as the starch, and though I love it that way my new favorite is using sweet potatoes or pumpkin for the starchy component. It makes it Paleo friendly, colorful, and the hint of sweetness is so comforting. It’s low in calories, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, and super easy to throw together! Not to mention satisfying and so delicious! I garnish it with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and a little grated parmesan cheese for a mouthwatering saltiness. I just can’t get enough of this soup – I made a big pot the other day and I’ve eaten at least one bowl per day since! Hope you guys like it too!

clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon print print icon squares squares icon Turkey Sausage, Kale & Pumpkin Soup ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 3 reviews Author: Mellissa Sevigny

Yield: Serves 8 1 x

Category: Soups/stews

Cuisine: Soup Print Pin Scale 1x 2x 3x Ingredients 1 lb sweet italian turkey sausage

lb sweet italian turkey sausage 1/2 cup chopped onion

chopped onion 3 cups chopped pumpkin or butternut squash

chopped pumpkin or butternut squash 4 cups chopped kale

chopped kale 4 cups chicken broth

chicken broth 4 cups water Instructions Cook sausage in a medium sized saucepan. Add onions and saute until translucent. Pour the broth and water into the saucepan and bring to a boil – reduce heat. Add the kale and pumpkin and simmer until the pumpkin is soft, about 20 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes. Nutrition Calories: 118

Fat: 6g

Carbohydrates: 5.5g net

Protein: 11g

Love this recipe? Shout it from the rooftops!