My good friend Susan has agreed to do a guest post for us today!  She is an amazing cook, and I’m way excited about this recipe that she is going to share with us.  Thanks Susan!

Hi there!  I’m Susan, a friend and former co-worker of Ashlee’s. She invited me to take her Friday post spot this week.  I am so excited to be posting on a blog that I follow! 

A little bit about me:  I have been married for almost seven years to my high school sweetheart.   Together we have two Shih-Tzus, Kirby& Kiefer and live in our new home in Nibley, UT.   I gave myself the title of, Domestic Engineer late last year.  We are currently going through the adoption process here in the states.  We did a mission trip in Haiti last Summer and fell in love with a five year old girl, Laughina (Loo-Gene-uh), who we are struggling to be able to adopt (we are too young right now).  I enjoy cooking/baking, crafting, and being a hostess. Most (not all) of my kitchen skills come from my older sister, Shannon. My #1 rule when following a recipe is to actually read it completely beforehand. OH! I also get sucked into a well-written TV series like you wouldn’t believe.  You can reach me at: bryner.susan@gmail.com

Simple Chicken Tortilla Soup

 Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients:

10 c. chicken broth
4 c. cooked chicken chopped

1 – 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes
2 – diced white onions
2 – cloves minced garlic
1/4 c. finely chopped cilantro
Salt & Pepper

Cheddar cheese (shredded) for topping (I always get sharp because it’s cheesier and you can use less of it!)
Doritos or Tortilla Chips
Sour Cream (optional)
Avocado sliced or cubed (optional)

I just got a Cuisinart food processor during the Black Friday sales, and I must say!  It’s amazing.  It is my favorite tool in my kitchen, even more than my pink Kitchen-Aid mixer!  If I’m frustrated about something… I go “process” something because it’s powerful. Kitchen appliances are like power tools for us girls.  You don’t need every kind, just a few good tools to help you enjoy what you do everyday:) The only downside to using the food processor is things quickly lose their texture.  So be careful if that’s what you choose to use to mix together the second set of ingredients.

If you are like most people you don’t make homemade chicken stock on a regular basis (even though it’s the tastiest and most nutritious way) you probably buy the cans/boxes, or use bouillon.  However you choose to come up with the 10 cups, is up to you!  For the chicken, you could tear it off of a rotisserie chicken (very flavorful), boil the chicken and dice, or buy it in a can (not my favorite option).  In a large stockpot, pour in the broth and cooked chicken set to Medium Heat and cover.  Next, blend next five ingredients in blender or food processor, but try to leave it a little chunky to have some texture.  You could do this by hand, but it won’t release the flavors quite as well.  Pour mixture into the large stockpot and stir. Simmer for 20 minutes, still covered.  Serve with chips, cheese, sour cream, and avocado. 

Everyone I have served this to, loves it and asks for the recipe. People who don’t like cilantro or chicken tortilla soup even enjoy this soup. Try it out and enjoy!

-Susan B.