Zuppa Toscana

We had soup and salad for New Year's along with appetizers. This soup is originally from Olive Garden and it was delicious!
Zuppa Toscana 

• 1 1/2 cups spicy sausage links ( 12)
• 2 medium potatoes, cut in half lengthwise and then cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 3/4 cup onions, diced
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 cups kale leaves, cut in half then sliced
• 2 tablespoons chicken base
• 1 quart water
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Place sausage links onto a sheet pan and bake 25 minutes, or until done; cut in half lengthwise, then cut at an angle into 1/2 inch slices.
3. Place onions and bacon in a large saucepan and cook over medium heat until onions are almost clear.
4. Remove bacon and crumble.
5. Add garlic to the onions and cook an additional 1 minute.
6. Add chicken base, water and potatoes, simmer 15 minutes.
7. Add crumbled bacon, sausage, kale and cream.
8. Simmer 4 minutes and serve