Chicken Tortilla Soup

There is nothing in this world like a fragrant pot of soup bubbling away over the stove. 

Nothing.

Ok, I say that about a lot of things.  Foodwise.  This fact is true, however, when one looks out the window and sees nothing but white, white, and more white!!! The snow has taken over.  Therefore, soup has taken over my kitchen.

Soup warms both the body and soul.  When my parents come home from work all flustered and tense from the cold, I can virtually see their resolve as they open the door and become enveloped in the savory aroma of soup.  Suddenly, smiles spread across their faces.  There is a homemade dinner awaiting…and that is always something to celebrate.

This weekend, I had a craving for chicken tortilla soup.  I’m not sure how authentically Mexican this particular recipe is, but I do know that it is good.  Really, really good….especially on a cold, winter night. 

The soup itself is pretty basic.  Chicken. Black beans. Bell pepper. Onion. Garlic.  Those are the main components.  What makes this dish special are the toppings.  Chicken tortilla soup is like the l0aded potato of soups.  It is the perfect base for a plethora of vibrant add-ons!  I set out dishes filled with diced avocado, onion, pico de galo, cilantro, sour cream, crispy tortilla strips, and cheese for my family to sprinkle on top of the broth.  It made for a warming, fun, and engaging dinner to brighten up a typical January night in Wisconsin. 

My recipe came from an AWESOME blog that I urge all of you to check out! It comes from the Pioneer Woman Cooks.  Not only does this amazing lady know her way around the kitchen, but she also blogs about photography, gardening, homeschooling, and much more!  All of her recipes look mouth-wateringly tempting…so check them out!

For the recipe, go to: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/01/chicken-tortilla-soup/

P.S.  Its a great idea to make cheese quesadillas to dunk into the warm soup! Just sayin’!