A Trip To The Big City

ksl.com - Clawson's Chicken Enchilada Soup

I don't get out much.  I like my corner of the world, but every once in a while Jimmy and I will venture out into the great big world.  Actually we made our way to the Big City yesterday to shoot a segment on Studio 5.  It is always such fun, but today it was perfect.  I made my favorite Chicken Enchilada Soup.  My segment was one of the last ones and Jimmy and I got to watch all the other people do their segments.  If you were watching you may have noticed The Grand America was there with their new pastry shop.  The chef brought a ton of sweet lovelies, and he had a huge stack of those Macarons that seem to be so famous and hip right now.  They are very different than my favorite Coconut Macaroons.  Their spelling is just one of the differences.  Actually the two Macaroons/Macarons are totally different.  A few months ago Jimmy bought me a real French Macaron in San Fran and is was sooooo good.  It was $2 for one little bite, but I enjoyed every second of it.

My soup up close and those Macarons in the back!
Brooke and Darin both have one in their hands.

So you can see my excitement about yesterday.  As the nice little Grand America Pastry Chef was leaving I whispered to him, "Can I just have one of those there Macarons?" He smiled and said yes.   BUT!  He left every treat he brought.  The counter was full to overflowing with Raspberry Macarons, Passion fruit Macarons, and Coffee Macarons, and all sorts of mini cupcakes, chocolates, and nuts.  If I could tell that man I love him I would.  I'd kiss his cheek too.  I ate macarons to my hearts content.  I even took one for the team and ate the Coffee ones.  They were good.  Dang good.  I figured I ate about $20 in just Macarons alone.  Well worth the drive to the big city.

So let me tell you what it's like.  It's fun!  Darin is funny and one of our favorite Pocatello friends! Brooke is as likable off screen as on.  My sister-in-law Katie loves Brooke, so I told her.  Brooke told me to tell Katie she loved her too.  So there we are after the show, standing in the kitchen with big bowls of Chicken Enchilada Soup and eating every delight Mr. Grand America left.  I told Darin the next time he calls he better make sure Mr. Grand America is there again:)  Actually I love doing the show.  I'm always amazed at who watches.  Actually I've decided everyone does.   It's a good show to watch.  So I've posted some pics of the day.  They aren't perfect, but you'll get the general idea.  Also I've included the link to the video clip if you're so inclined to watch.  Oh, the soup was pretty good too yesterday!

Clawson's Chicken Enchilada Soup

3 carrots chopped

2 ribs celery chopped

1 onion chopped

2 T. oil

Saute veggies until clear.  Add the following:

8 c. chicken broth

1 can Rotel tomatoes (a must!  Regular tomatoes don't cut it.)

1 pkg. taco seasoning

10 small corn tortillas ripped a bit

Bring all ingredients to a boil and boil gently for 20 mins.  Use a wand blender if you have one and if not use your regular blender to puree all the ingredients together.  Add:

2 T. corn starch stirred into 1 c. cold water

Bring soup to a boil.  Add:

1 c. cream or half and half

1 lb. Velveeta Cheese (has to be the name brand.  The other stuff doesn't melt well.)

Don't boil the soup again once you add the cream and the Velveeta.  It will curdle.  Add your mix ins.  

3 c. chopped chicken ( I love using a rotisserie chicken)

1 can black beans rinsed (optional)

1 can corn rinsed (optional)

Top with tortilla strips, fresh salsa or tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, and chopped cilantro!   The best!