Italian Style Winter Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons chopped onion

4 (3.5 ounce) links Italian sausage, sliced

8 cups chicken stock

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried basil

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

2 cups uncooked white rice

½ cup heavy cream

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and saute for 3 minutes, or until tender. Add the sausage, browning well on all sides, about 5 minutes.

Add the chicken stock, oregano, basil and parsley. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.

Add the rice and simmer for 30 more minutes. Finally, add the cream, stirring well. Remove from heat and let soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.