It's finally cold enough to make soup and bread!

It was cloudy and rainy today and the temperature hit 55 degrees! Finally- winter is here!

Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini

1 lb. Italian sausage
1 c. coarsely chopped onion
2 gloves of garlic, chopped
5 c. beef broth
2 c. crushed tomatoes
1 c. thinly sliced carrots
1/2 t. basil
1/2 t. oregano
1 (8oz.) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 c. sliced zucchini
1 (10oz.) pkg. fresh cheese tortellini
3 T. fresh parsley, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Brown sausage in large soup kettle. Drain. Add onion and garlic and saute quickly as sausage continues to cook. Add all other ingredients except tortellini. Bring to boil; reduce heat and cook 40 minutes. Cook tortellini separetly in small saucepan for 6-8 minutes (do not overcook). Drain. Add to soup mixture and simmer 5-10 minutes longer. Serve with Parmesan.