Recipe of the Week for Flu Season

— Flu season is not over yet. Here are some cold and flu fighters to help protect your body against illness and aid in healing (www.southernliving.com). Beta-carotene: Butternut squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli B Vitamins (folate and B12): Spinach, legumes, peanuts, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, eggs, milk Vitamin C: Oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, green peppers, cabbage Vitamin E: Peanuts, sunflower seeds, eggs, spinach, whole grains, vegetable oils, poultry Zinc: Fish, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, cheese, milk, peanut butter, whole grains

Beef and Butternut Squash Chili

1 lb. extra-lean ground beef

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 (14.5 oz.) cans Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, chopped

1 (16 oz.) can chili beans

1/2 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 c. low-sodium beef broth

1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 c. frozen corn kernels

Cook beef, bell pepper and next two ingredients in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until meat crumbles and is no longer pink.

Drain well, and return to Dutch oven. Stir in tomatoes and next five ingredients; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Stir in corn, and cook, uncovered, 15 minutes or until squash is tender and chili is thickened.

Subscribers — The TIMES would like to share your recipes. Recipes may be dropped off at our office at 981 N. Curtis Ave., faxed to 451-9456, mailed to P.O. Box 25, Pea Ridge, AR, 72751 or e-mailed to [email protected].