On cold nights the thing that warms me up the fastest is a big bowl of soup. Being from Texas, anything spicy is near and dear to my heart. And, us Texan women, are taught from birth basically, the joys of whipping up some zesty meals.

Last night, I was in the mood for Chicken Tortilla Soup. My mom used to make this dish a lot in the winter. It simply just warms your soul and senses. The rich avocado and toasty tortilla chips add that extra crunch and savory pop.

You will need: 3 chicken breasts (chopped),  1 quart gluten free chicken broth, ½ onion, 3 cloves garlic, olive oil, 1 can hominy, 1 avocado, 2 tbsp. cumin, 1 tbsp. chili powder, ½ tsp. red pepper, tortilla chips, 1 handful shredded cheese, 1 tbsp. low fat sour cream, salt and pepper taste.

First, bake your chicken in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 375. (I used pieces of precooked rotisserie chicken for my soup!) But, you can totally bake your own chicken. I was simply being frugal by using what I had in my fridge. When the chicken is done – chop it up in small pieces and set aside in a smaller bowl.

In a frying pan, pour in a splash of olive oil – then your chopped onion and garlic. Sauté these for a bit until lightly brown.

In a separate pan on the stove top (set on high), pour in your chicken broth. Then add in your little garlic onion sauté mix to the pot. Add in the spices – cumin, chili powder and red pepper. Stir. Then add in the hominy. Let this cook for about 20 minutes.

Add in the sour cream and cheese last and add salt and pepper to taste. Pour the soup in bowls – and add crushed up chips to the top if the soup. For a garnish, cut up an avocado and sprinkle pieces on top of the bowl along with some shredded cheese.

You are ready for a cozy, yummy night – Texas style!