Mission Inn Tortilla Soup

1 1/2 ts Butter

1 1/2 ts Olive oil

1 lg Yellow onion -- diced

28 oz Tomatoes -- diced, canned

1 Whole jalapeno pepper (or

Serrano) -- diced 6 oz Vegetable-juice cocktail

(V-8) 2 tb Chicken stock

2 c Hot water

3/4 ts Ground cumin

3/4 ts Paprika

1 pn Chili powder

1/2 ts White pepper

1 Clove garlic (or more) --

Minced 1 1/2 tb Tomato paste

1/2 c Fresh cilantro -- chopped

1 tb Cornstarch

1 tb Water

6 Corn tortillas -- 6-inch

Size Vegetable oil -- for frying 1 c Avocado -- diced

2 c Grilled chicken breast --

Diced 1/4 c Fresh cilantro -- chopped

1 c Cheddar cheese -- grated

Heat butter and olive oil in heavy saucepan until butter melts. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add tomatoes and continue to cook until soft. Add jalapeno and mixed vegetable juice. Bring to boil and add stock and hot water. Bring to simmer. Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, white pepper and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally. Add tomato paste and 1/4 cup cilantro and cook, stirring occasionally. Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then stir into tomato mixture and simmer until liquid is shiny, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut tortillas into 1 1/2-inch strips or cubes and deep-fry in hot oil. Remove and drain. To serve, distribute 1/2 cup avocado, 1 cup chicken breast, 1/8 cup chopped cilantro and half tortilla strips among 6 bowls. Pour hot soup over garnish and top with remaining avocado, chicken breast, chopped cilantro and tortilla strips. Pass grated Cheddar on the side. Makes 6 servings. Chef's Notes: This recipe was shared by Joe D. Cochran, Jr., the executive chef at the Mission Inn in Riverside, California. Recipe By : Mission Inn, Riverside, CA via LA Times 10/26/95 From: Caitlin Davis Carlson, Seaview,wa