Tortilla Soup

Ultimate Tortilla Soup

1 (2 1/2 to 3 pound) chicken cut-up and skin removed
2 ribs celery, cut into chunks
1 medium onion, quartered
1 large carrot, quartered
2 sprigs parsley
2 tablespoons chicken soup base
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1 large clove garlic or granulated garlic, to taste

Combine the first seven ingredients in a large stockpot and cover with water by about 2 inches. Bring to a rapid boil; lower heat to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour until chicken is tender and falling off the bone.

Strain and reserve the broth. Tear pieces of chicken into small pieces. Set aside chicken and add the following to the broth:

1 can chicken broth
1 large can creamed corn
1 (10 ounce) can Ro-Tel tomatoes, crushed
Bring to a boil then add

1 1/2 cups half and half
2 tbls minced cilantro
Simmer on low for about 15 to 20 minutes. Taste and correct seasoning. Be careful of adding too much salt.

Moments before serving, stir in:

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese and Jack cheese
Reserved cut-up chicken
4 to 6 corn tortillas, cut into 1/4-inch julienne strips

Continue to simmer until cheese is melted and chicken is heated through.

To serve, ladle soup into deep bowls. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, chunks of avocado dipped in lemon juice, slices of black olives and a small handful of thin corn tortilla strips that have been deep fried and shredded cheese.