Aztec Chowder at 55

DEAR SOS: I need the recipe for Aztec Chowder served at 55 Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. I think your readers would enjoy it as well.

BRONA BURROWS

Los Angeles

DEAR BRONA: Here it is for you and all those who certainly will enjoy it.

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55 Restaurant Aztec Chowder

Active Work Time: 20 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 9 1/2 hours

3/4 pound Great Northern beans

8 cups chicken stock

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

3/4 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut in 3/4-inch dice

1/4 cup diced onion

2 tablespoons diced seeded Anaheim chile

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 cups whipping cream

Salt, pepper

Tortilla chips, optional

Shredded Jack or pepper Jack cheese, optional

* Rinse beans. Soak in chicken stock in large pot 8 hours.

* Bring beans and stock to boil, reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Remove from heat and let cool.

* Melt butter in saucepan. Add chicken and saute over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Add onion, chile and garlic and saute until onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.

* Puree half of cooked beans and cayenne in blender until smooth. Add cooked beans with cooking stock, bean puree and whipping cream to chicken and vegetables in saucepan. Bring to boil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.

* Ladle chowder into bowls. Top with tortilla chips and cheese if desired.

8 (1-cup) servings. Each serving without tortilla chips and cheese: 482 calories; 922 mg sodium; 117 mg cholesterol; 30 grams fat; 31 grams carbohydrates; 23 grams protein; 3.03 grams fiber.

Updated Chocolate

DEAR SOS: I believe this is the recipe for German’s Sweet Chocolate Pie that Jean was looking for.

KAY BEHRENS

Claremont

DEAR KAY: Why, thank you. The recipe you sent from a Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate label has both microwave and saucepan preparation instructions. I’m sure this will please Jean and others looking for the real German’s Sweet Chocolate Pie recipe.

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German’s Sweet Chocolate Pie

Active Work Time: 20 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 4 1/2 hours

1/4 pound German’s Sweet Chocolate

1/3 cup milk

1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons sugar, optional

3 1/2 cups frozen nondairy whipped topping, thawed

1 (9-inch) prepared crumb crust

Chocolate shavings or curls, optional

* Heat chocolate and 2 tablespoons milk in saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Alternatively, microwave chocolate and 2 tablespoons milk on high heat in large microwaveable bowl until chocolate is almost melted, stirring halfway through heating time, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir until chocolate is completely melted.

* Beat in cream cheese, sugar and remaining milk until well blended. Refrigerate to cool, about 10 minutes.

* Gently stir in whipped topping until smooth. Spoon into crust. Freeze until firm, about 4 hours. Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls if desired.

8 servings. Each serving: 357 calories; 249 mg sodium; 12 mg cholesterol; 22 grams fat; 40 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams protein; 1.25 grams fiber.