comfort.

Things have finally started settling down in my life (don't get me wrong, I still have grad school applications), which seems like a sweet coincidence since the weather seems to be doing the same thing too. Fall. You are my all time favorite season. Unfortunately I missed out on you the last three years. Your brisk late afternoon walks. Crunchy leaves and tall glasses of red wine. Oh, and soup.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

6 cups chicken stock

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

half an onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

2 small - medium zucchinis, chopped

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder

juice from 2 large limes

salt and pepper to taste

Coat a large saucepan with olive oil over medium-high heat, add onion and zucchini and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, chipotle chile powder, salt and pepper and stir until fragrant. Pour in stock and bring to a boil. Add the shredded chicken, reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the chicken is heated through. Add the lime juice and taste for seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top with and desired garnishes. Serves 4.

Garnish ideas.

crushed tortilla chips

shredded Monterey Jack cheese

sliced avocado

fresh cilantro

via.