Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2                    Corn Tortillas -- * see note
   1      12 Oz Tub     Bueno Green Chiles -- Mild, Hot, or X-Hot
     1/2  Stick         Margarine
   2      Cups          Chopped Onion
   1                    Garlic Clove -- peeled and minced
     1/2  Teaspoon      Dried Oregano -- crumbled
   2                    Bay Leaves
   3 1/2  Cups          Chicken Broth -- homemade or canned
   2      Medium        Baking Potatoes -- peeled and chunked
     1/3  Teaspoon      Cumin
     1/2  Teaspoon      Salt
     1/4  Teaspoon      Pepper
     1/3  Cup           Whipping Cream
   2      Cups          Monterey Jack Cheese -- grated **

Preparation:

* Preferably 1 of yellow cornmeal and 1 of blue. ** or mozzarella cheese or a combination of both Cut the tortillas into 1/4 inch wide strips and leasve them uncovered at room temperature until they are dry and crips, about 24 hours (or heat in iron skillet until dry and hot). In a 4 quart saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the onions, garlic, oregano, and bay leaves and cook, covered, stirring once or twice, for 10 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, potatoes, salt, cumin and black pepper and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, partially covered, stirring once or twice, until the potatoes are very tender, about 25 minutes. Stir in the cream and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The soup can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Cool it completely and refrigerate, covered. Rewarm it over low heat, stirring often, until steaming. Ladle the soup into wide bowls, sprinkle the cheese over the soup, and scatter the tortilla strips over the cheese. Serve immediately.