Cheesy Chili Soup

I got my new copy of the Kraft Foods magazine, Food and Family, yesterday. This is a free publication and if you do not already get it in the mail, you can get a FREE subscription or view a digital version of the magazine online on the Kraft website

This issue is full of wonderful fall recipes. I really liked the sound and look of the salad they made with cinnamon pecans, sliced pears and dried cranberries. How beautiful would the colors in that dish be?

I am always attracted to soups and stews when the weather cools down, and today is rainy and cooler but not quite soup weather. As soon as it is cool enough though, I have found my first recipe to try!

It is called Cheesy Chili Soup, and it sounds wonderful!
I must add that this photo is from a previous issue of their magazine because this new digital magazine format would not let me import a picture of the current version. Although the ingredients are the same, the vegetables are sliced instead of chopped as shown above, which I think makes a prettier presentation although the taste wouldn't change.

Here is the recipe:

1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans, rinsed
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) chicken broth
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp. chili powder
1 cup KRAFT Mexican Style 2% Milk Finely Shredded Four Cheese, divided

BRING all ingredients except cheese to boil in medium saucepan.
SIMMER on low heat 25 min. or until vegetables are tender. Stir in 1/3 cup cheese.
LADLE into bowls. Top with remaining cheese.

Special Extra
Garnish each serving with a dollop of BREAKSTONE'S Reduced Fat or KNUDSEN Light Sour Cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro just before serving.
Substitute
Use any variety of beans you prefer, such as black beans, cannellini beans or chickpeas (garbanzo beans).


I think this sounds wonderful just as it is, but I think it would appeal more to the guys if we added some ground beef or tukey (fully cooked before adding) and maybe a little chopped potato for some more stick to the ribs power.

I can't wait to try this! If you beat me to it, let me know how it turns out!