Top Chef Masters

I love that program and just watched the finale (I had to tape it). It was great!! All of the chef's were wonderful but my two favorites made it all the way - Michael Chiarello and Rick Bayless. Rick Bayless won and his food looks incredible. Wish I lived close to one of eateries!

Here is one of my favorite recipes and the recipe I am probably asked for the most:

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 cooked chicken, boned and shredded (I usually buy one at the grocery)
1 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
2 small onions, chopped
4 limes
1 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic (the bottled kind works fine too)
1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 - 32 ounce cartons of chicken broth (I generally use organic)
1 - 24 ounce jar of Chunky Pace Picante salsa (I like really spicy but usually mild for everyone else)
1 - 1 pound package frozen corn kernels (this is optional, but I always use - I use the sweet corn, just has a nice flavor)
1 bag tortilla chips
Shredded Mexican Cheese
Lime Wedges
Fresh cilantro, chopped

Heat oil in a large soup pot. Add the onions (salt and pepper to taste) and cook until translucent, the juice of 2 limes, garlic, chili powder and cumin. Cook 2 minutes.

Add chicken, broth, salsa and corn. Stir to mix. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high and continue to boil for 8 to 10 minutes. At this point, I usually reduce the heat and simmer for an hour or so; however, you could eat it sooner.

Crush some tortilla chips in the bottom of each soup bowl and ladle soup in. Use toppings as desired (cheese, lime juice, cilantro...avocados are excellent on the soup) and serve.

The soup actually tastes better the next day!