Tuscana Soup

2 cups spicy sausage (Jimmy Dean is good)
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 quarts chicken broth
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional and to taste)
4 cups coarsely chopped potatoes
6 cups fresh kale, chopped
4 oz half and half or milk
parmesan cheese to serve

Brown in large sauce pan, breaking up into small pieces.  Drain excess grease.
Add onion and garlic and cook until tender.
Add chicken broth.
Add potatoes and seasoning.
Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover with lid and simmer.
Wash kale, remove the rib and chop leaves into small pieces.
Add kale to the soup and cook until potatoes are tender.
Add milk or half and half
Heat gently.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with grated parmesan.