Italian Feast with Caprese Salad and Italian Sausage Soup

Let me start off by saying YUM! This one is a winner. I know this by my own tastebuds reaction but also confirmed by hubs going back for seconds and requesting I make it again before he was even done! The caprese salad is easy and fresh and the soup is great for flavor and substance. And it's an easy meal to make with the help of the handy-dandy Crock-Pot. Oh, and bread is a must for dipping!

Caprese Salad - Serves 4

Have it:
1 ripe beefsteak tomato (make sure its a good one)
4 fresh basil leaves
fresh mozzarella, sliced or buy it pre-sliced
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper

Do it:
1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella. Layer the basil leaves, tomato and mozzarella.

2. Season with salt & pepper. Mix 1 tbl. balsamic vinegar with 1 tbl. olive oil. Drizzle over the salad. Serve.

Italian Sausage Soup - Serves 4-6

Have it:
Sausage Meatballs
1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed (I used hot sausage which added a lot of flavor)
1/2 c. dried bread crumbs
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c. milk
1 egg
1/2 teas. dried basil
1/2 teas. black pepper
1/4 teas. garlic salt

Soup
4 c. hot chicken broth (I used Pacific Foods organic low-sodium broth and heated in the microwave)
1 tbl. tomato paste
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teas. red pepper flakes
1/2 c. mini pasta shells (you can use any tiny pasta)
1 10 oz. bag baby spinach leaves grated parmesan cheese

Do it:
1. Combine meatball ingredients. Form into marble size balls.

2. Combine broth, tomato paste, garlic and red pepper flakes in 4 1/2 quart Crock-Pot slow cooker. Add meatballs. Cover; cook on low 5 to 6 hours. So easy!

3. Thirty minutes before serving, add pasta. When pasta is tender, stir in spinach leaves. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

I love the spinach in this dish. Adding it right before serving allows it to wilt without being soggy. With there only being the two of us, we were able to have this a second day and it tasted great heated up.

Source: Crock-Pot The Original Slow Cooker Recipe Collection