Game Day

We are just hours away from the biggest game in Utah state history: the Brigham Young University v. University of Utah football game takes place at 4:00 p.m. mountain time. With a combined record of 21-1, Utah is ranked number 7 and BYU is ranked 14. This in-state rivalry has never been hotter. Game previews are even titled "Red [Utah] Edition" and "Blue [BYU] Edition".

Utah's quarterback, Brian Johnson sums it up:

"They don't like us very much and we don't like them very much and we'll just try to settle it on the field".

I read recently that the BYU-Utah game has ruined more Thanksgivings than any other football rivalry. Since the schools are only 45 minutes from each other, many families include both U of U fans and BYU fans, mine included. One side of the table is bound to be more vocal after this game.

I'll be serving "Chicken Tortilla Soup" today:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 jalapenos, finely diced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
2 limes, juiced, plus wedges for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 (8-inch) flour tortilla, grilled, cut into thin strips
1 avocado, pitted, sliced
1 cup shredded Monterrey cheese

In a large saucepan heat the vegetable oil. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Once the onions have softened add the garlic and jalepenos and cook for another minute. Pour the chicken broth, tomatoes and beans into the pot and bring to a boil. Once at a boil lower heat to simmer and add your chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes. Once chicken is cooked remove from pot. When cool enough to handle shred it and set it aside. Add lime juice and fresh cilantro to the pot. In a serving bowl add a mound of shredded chicken. Ladle soup over chicken and top with a lime wedge, grilled tortilla strips, avocado slices and cheese.

We'll enjoy the soup. I don't know about the game, since Kenny has invited avid BYU fans to watch the game and eat soup. Since I'm a proud member of the 1973 U of U graduating class, I'll be wearing my red sweatshirt. (And maybe red duct tape across my mouth, according to Kenny).