In a large pan, sauté onions, carrots and celery in butter until tender.

Add chicken broth and potatoes.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes.

Using a fork or potato masher, coarsely mash potatoes (you want potatoes to be chunky - this is a chowder!).

Stir milk into flour and whisk.

Stir into potato mixture.

Add italian sausage.

Add Tabasco for desired kick.

Heat till bubbly, then heat one minute more.