Sausage lovers, this one's for you! Choose mild or hot Italian sausage, as you prefer, and if you wish, serve this savory stew with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.

1 lb. Italian sausage
1 lg. onion, cut into 3/4" pieces
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can (16 oz.) stewed tomatoes, undrained
3/4 c. Pace Picante sauce
8 oz. mushrooms, halved or quartered
1 tsp. dry basil leaves, crushed
1/4 tsp. dry oregano leaves, crushed
1 sm. red bell pepper, cut into 3/4" pieces
1 sm. green bell pepper, cut into 3/4" pieces

Cut sausage into 1 inch pieces; remove casing. Cook in 10 inch skillet until lightly browned, about 2 minutes; drain. Add onion and garlic; cook until sausage is no longer pink, about 3 minutes; pour off drippings. Add tomatoes, Pace Picante sauce, mushrooms, basil and oregano. Simmer uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add peppers; simmer 5 minutes or until peppers are tender. Serve with additional Pace Picante sauce. Makes 4 servings, about 6 cups stew.