This is a classic Mexican soup. In all reality, it is a full meal. And, although there are many variations of this Mexican chicken soup, spicy chipotle chiles are always part of the broth. Make it a meal: Serve with a Mexican beer and cheese quesadillas. Dishes like this always remind me of Christmas, for some reason. Yes, they were around all year, but, for some reason, the posadas always were around the most traditional of dishes … Caldo Tlalpeño, pozole, tamales, atole … the works. This is not hard to make. And, boy, is it yummy (says one who never really cooks, right?). What is more Mexican than Caldo Tlalpeño, a picture of the Shrine of Guadalupe, or your first burro ride (yeah, that’s me!)?

Bring broth, water, garlic and chicken to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, skimming any foam that rises to the top, until the garlic is tender and the chicken is cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Transfer the garlic with a slotted spoon to a blender and the chicken to a clean cutting board. Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and poblano (or Anaheim) chile and cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add to the broth. Add ½ cup of the broth and chipotle pepper to the blender and process until smooth (use caution when pureeing hot liquids). Pour the mixture back into the broth in the pan. Stir in rice. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until the rice is tender, about 10 minutes. Shred the chicken and divide among 4 bowls. Ladle the broth over the chicken and top with equal portions of radish, avocado and cilantro. Serve with a wedge of lime. Tip: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are smoked jalapeños packed in a flavorful sauce. Look for the small cans with the Mexican food. Once opened, they'll keep 2 weeks in the refrigerator or 6 months in the freezer. Serves 4 to 6.