Tortilla Soup (Yep, like Max and Erma's)

I am getting ready to enjoy a delicious supper with 2 of my daycare kiddos and I thought I would stop and share what we are having. You are going to love it, trust me. We are having Tortilla Soup, just like what Max and Erma's has. Yummy! I'm sharing the recipe with you that I got from my niece Sarah.

Tortilla Soup

30 ounces of each soup:

• Cream of Mushroom Soup
• Cream of Celery Soup
• Cream of Chicken Soup
• Cheddar Cheese Soup
• Chicken Broth

• 15 ounces diced tomatoes
• 4 1/2 ounces diced green chilies
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder (to taste)
• diced jalapenos optional
• 2 cans corn optional
  

• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 4 chicken breasts (I use one 28 oz cans of chicken)
• tortillas
• vegetable oil
• shredded cheddar cheese
  

Directions:

• In a LARGE pot mix all the soups until they appear to be somewhat smooth and well mixed.

• Add remaining ingredients to the salt and pepper and bring to a boil and simmer for 2 hours to bring together the flavors and make sure you keep it stirred so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. (or you can put it all in a crock pot for 2 hours)
  

• If you are using the chicken breasts ~ cut them into small pieces and saute them. My niece adds some Chipolte taco seasoning to her chicken while she is cooking it. Add the cooked chicken to the soup and continue simmering.

• While your soup is cooking you can make yourself some homemade tortilla strips by cutting some tortillas into strips and frying in some oil or you can buy some tortilla strips where you get croutons.

• When your soup is done top with some tortillas strips and shredded cheese and enjoy!!

This makes a ton of soup. I have to use my big ole stock pot because that is the only thing that I have big enough. If you only make half you could use a crock pot. This soup also freezes well. I just throw it in some freezer bags and waa-laa. I hope you all enjoy this. If you have some different variations, please let us know what they are.