This makes a sweet, spicy recipe that is great for suppers on a cold night.

1 large can diced tomatoes
1 can peaches with syrup
1 can pears with syrup
1 large can kidney/chili beans, not drained
3/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. vinegar
1 stalk celery
1 medium onion
1 medium green pepper
2 c. chicken (or 1 pound hamburger or ground turkey)
(May use canned chicken)
1 T. allspice
1 - 2 t. pepper (to taste)
1 T. chili powder (to taste)
1 t. salt
Tabasco (to taste)

Chop fine the fruit in a food processor or blender. Dice onion, celery and green pepper. Saut'e. Add desired meat to the vegetables, and cook until done. Place tomatoes, fruit mixture, beans, sugar, vinegar, spices, and seasonings in a large pot on medium high for approximately 15 minutes, stirring regularly. Add other ingredients, cooking 15 minutes more. (A cup or so of tomato juice or chicken stock may be added if a thinner soup is desired.)

The grandchildren may want to know what a peach is doing in their chili. I've learned to puree the fruit for kids. Once adults have tasted this chili, they don't seem to think the fruit is much of a problem.

- Submitted by Nancy Yeager