SPICY CHICKEN TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• 1. It's a cold day... low grey cloud move quickly overhead, carrying with them the promise of more snow to come. The wind moans though trees devoid of leaves, and the cold empty branches crackle in the cold Winter's breath. The days grow shorter, and the nights longer. It's Winter, and it's time for warm comfort foods... It's time for hearty soup. Let's get started...
• 2. Place the chicken stock in a pan, bring to a simmer, and then poach the chicken pieces for about 30 minutes. Chef's Tip: I use boneless breasts, and thighs, but if you have bone-in... that's okay. Chef's Tip: Remove the skin from the chicken before poaching. Chef's Note: You will lose about 1/4 cup of liquid during the poaching process, due to evaporation.
• 3. Chef's Note: While the chicken is simmering, you will need to skim off any of the white protein material that floats to the top. I do this with a fine mesh skimmer.
• 4. Chef's Note: If you don't have fresh chicken broth, you can substitute chicken bullion. My favorite bullion cubes are: Telma... They come in Chicken, Beef, and Vegetable. And, if anyone is interested; they're Kosher. Of course, if you're using bullion cubes, technically you don't have a stock you have a broth.
• 5. After thirty minutes, remove the chicken from the stock, allow to cool, and then dice into bite-size pieces, and set aside. Chef's Note: I like to use a 50/50 mix of white and dark meat; however, there's nothing wrong with going with one or the other.
• 6. Pour the chicken stock into a fat separator, allow to sit for a few minutes, and then remove any accumulated fat from the stock. Pour the defatted stock back into the pot.
• 7. Add the cumin, salt, chili powder, pepper, and cayenne into the stock, and then stir to combine.
• 8. Add the chicken, tomato puree, and the chopped veggies to the pot, place over medium heat, and then bring to a simmer. Chef's Note: What is a simmer? A simmer is when bubbles are rising in the liquid, and lightly breaking on the surface.
• 9. Cover the pot, and place in a preheated 225f (107c) oven for one hour. Chef's Note: Why the oven? When you use the oven, as opposed to stovetop cooking, you get a more evenly distributed heat; while in stovetop cooking the heat is concentrated in the bottom of the pan.
• 10. Remove the pot from the oven, add the lemon juice, and serve.
• 11. Plate/Present Good white bowls are excellent here, because they show off the colors of the soup. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, and maybe some nice fresh crackers, or a rustic loaf of bread.
• 12. This hearty soup has just the right balance between heat and flavor. The cayenne and chili powder give the dish a bit of warmth that's just a perfect balance. It will warm your heart, it will warm your soul... it will warm your spirit. Keep the faith, and keep cooking...