Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     1/2  cup           vegetable oil
     1/4  cup           chicken base
   3      cups          diced yellow onions
   2      teaspoons     ground cumin
   2      teaspoons     chili powder
   2      teaspoons     granulated garlic
     1/2  teaspoon      cayenne pepper
   2      cups          masa harina
   4      quarts        water -- (divided)
   2      cups          crushed tomatoes
     1/2  pound         process american cheese -- cut in small cube
   3      pounds        cooked -- cubed chicken

Preparation:

In large pot, place oil, chicken base, onion and spices. Saute until onions are soft and clear, about 5 minutes In another container, combine masa harina with 1 quart water. Stir until all lumps dissolve. Add to sauteed onions, bring to boil. Once mixture starts to bubble, continue cooking 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This will eliminate any raw taste from masa harina. Add remaining 3 quarts water to pot. Add tomatoes; let mixture return to boil stirring occasionally. Add cheese to soup. Cook stirring occasionally, until cheese melts. Add chicken; heat through. Makes 1 1/2 gallons or 16-20 servings. NOTE: Recipe can be halved