I made this on the spur of the moment so picked up a package of Wholey frozen mussels (1lb) already cleaned and pre-cooked. I simply put the frozen block of mussles in a skillet and heated to release the broth they were frozen in, strained that liquid and reserved. Much easier! I add about a cup of carrot cut in bite sized pieces to the leek, onion garlic since I had fewer mussles. Rather than whipping cream, I used fat-free half & half because I had that on hand. This was a huge hit! So good, relatively easy served with warmed French bread, YUM! I think it's a pretty versitile recipe and you really can't go wrong with little changes. Thanks! I'll be making this A LOT!

Reviewed On: Dec. 21, 2011

I love this recipe! I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 or 2 depending on size) and pretty much follow recipe as written except for the addition of 1/2 tsp cumin. The 2 tbsp of chili powder makes a spicy but not too spicy soup base. Will admit that I don't simmer this soup for the 90 minutes as suggested but throw in canned rinsed and drained white hominy after about 30 minutes, heat through and serve. It's a fun dish to serve with all the "DIY" ingredients -- tostadas, diced avocado, lime wedges, fresh cilantro. Mucho Gusto!!

Reviewed On: Dec. 24, 2010

Following the suggestion of one reviewer, I made this recipe in a crockpot. I didn't have plain cola but rather used a diet cherry cola. My 3 center cut boneless chops were rather small and I didn't want the onion to be overwhelming so didn't use an entire package of onion soup. Instead I sprinkled about 3 heaping tablespoons on the chops, added cola to submerge but not cover chops and added 3-4 small sprigs of fresh rosemary. I cooked for a total of maybe 3 hours, half on high, half on low. Just before serving I thickened the "gravy" with a little cornstarch/water -- not to a thick gravy but just enough for added body. Chops turned out very moist and tender, gravy was perfect! This recipe will be fun to play with using other meats and carbonated beverages.

Reviewed On: Dec. 9, 2010