Warm Up With Produce From South Of The Border (NAPSA)—Whenthe air is getting cooler and the windis picking up speed, you may need something to help you fight those falling temperatures and spice up your day. The solution can be sweet and simple—chooseto create something with the flavorful tomatoes and herbs available in abundance from Mexico. Not only is it a taste of tropical sunshine, such produce is fresh and healthful—tomatoes provide lycopene, a valuable antioxidant— and can help you get your fruits and vegetables, all year long. Mexico has exported high-quality produce to the U.S. for more than 100 years andis responsible for 25 percent of the nation’s vegetable consumption during the winter. All Mexican produce undergoes strict quality and safety assurances before it crosses the U.S. border. You can cheer up your taste buds with this warm, tasty dish that’s good, good for you and easy to make. Azteca Soup 1% cups vegetable oil 10 corn tortillas, cut into % inch strips 1 teaspoonsalt 2 large Mexican tomatoes, cut into wedges % cup eachfresh parsley, cilantro and basil % large onion, cut into strips or wedges 4 cups chicken broth, divided 1 large onion 1 tablespoon chipotle ES A y j i Tomato soup made with a Mexi- canflair can help you say “adios” to the cold. peppersin adobo sauce 2 Mexican avocados,peeled, pitted and diced Heat oil in a large, deep saucepan andcarefully drop in tortilla strips. Fry until golden brown and crunchy. Cover a plate with a paper towel, place prepared tortillas on towel and pat dry, absorbing excess oil; discard remaining oil or reserve for other frying. Sprinkle salt on top of tortillas until both sides are coated. Using a blender, blend tomatoes, onion, herbs and chipotles with 1 to 2 cups chicken broth until completely pureed. In the saucepan, stir together remaining chicken broth and pureed vegetables. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and divide among 4 to 6 bowls. Top with tortilla strips and avocadoslices. Serve. For more information about fresh Mexican produce, visit www.freshfrommexico.com.
