Tortilla Soup

Hi All, well I'd didn't make my applesauce yesterday but I did make some incredible tortilla soup. I got my friend Virginia's recipe and then of course changed it, (sorry V). So this is the Elaine version of tortilla soup. Virginia's is really wonderful, my version is a little differnt but also good. I'm going to post the one I made and if you'd like Virginia's I can also post that recipe as well. Now, this recipe is a little labor intensive but so worth it, please try it.

Elaine's Tortilla Soup

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds chicken pieces (or one whole chicken)

1 quart chicken broth

1 quart water

1 head of garlic

2 carrots (coarsely chopped)

1 medium onion

1 can diced tomatoes (with it’s juice)

1 stalk of celery

salt

2 guajillos chiles (dried)

6 corn tortillas (or more, when you crisp these up people want to dip them in the red sauce, yum)

oil

1 Tbsp hot sauce (Tapatio, Pick a Peppa or Texas Pete)

1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp thyme

pepper

1-2 avocados

1 1/2 cups shredded jack cheese

lime wedges

Directions

Place chicken in large sauce pot, add water, 1/2 of garlic, 1/4 onion, carrots, celery, and the seasonings. Simmer for 45 minutes or until tender. (if using whole chicken, turn chicken over after 20 minutes, when done let sit in broth with heat off for 15 minutes) Note: If you want to defat, after broth is strained, place in refrigerator for a few hours, fat will rise to the top then remove, if you want to do this you may want to cook the chicken the day before you want to serve it.

Soak chiles in warm water until tender. Remove stems and chop. In a blender or food processor add the chilies, diced tomatoes 1/2 garlic, remainder of onion (chopped). S&P to taste. Pulse or blend until smooth. Set aside.

Cut tortilla into strips and fry in oil, drain & set aside.

Remove chicken meat, skin & shred chicken, set aside. Strain broth and return to pot. If you feel you need more both add more chicken broth. Add 1/2 of the red sauce to soup pot, stir and let simmer for 10 minutes. When ready to serve add chicken & reheat gently until broth and chicken are heated through.

To serve: Place soup in bowl. Top with tortilla strips, avocado, sprinkle with cheese. Add more red sauce if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side, (don’t eliminate the lime, adds so much freshness)

I would like to encourage you to share some recipes with us. I'd like to focus on some family traditional holiday recipies, Come on, post some goodies for us to try!!! COOK ON.............