The Mansion on Turtle Creek Tortilla Soup

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add tortillas and garlic and sauté until tortillas are crisp and garlic is golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add onion puree and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until reduced by half. Add tomato puree, roasted chilies, jalapeños, cumin, coriander, epazote, bay leaf, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for approximately 40 minutes. Skim fat from surface, if necessary. Process through a food mill to attain the perfect consistency or use a blender (soup may become thick; thin out with additional chicken stock). Season to taste with salt, lemon and cayenne (optional). Ladle soup into warm bowls. Garnish each bowl with an equal portion of chicken breast, avocado, shredded cheese, and crisp tortilla strips. Serve immediately. For Chicken Stock: Have butcher cut carcasses into small pieces or use a cleaver to do so at home. Keep refrigerated until used. Bring a large sauce pot to medium heat and add oil. Add onions, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5 minutes or until onions are transparent. Add chicken carcasses, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, peppercorns, and water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer about 1 hour, skimming surface as necessary. Remove pan from heat. Place a strainer in an empty container to hold a large amount of liquid. Pour mixture into strainer and strain. Skim off any surface fat.