The warm flavors of cinnamon and cloves spice up this chicken stew. Golden raisins, apple and black beans make this dish unforgettable.

Spiced Chicken with Black Beans, Apple and Golden Raisins

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 jalapeño chile, seeded and chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 teaspoon chicken base or boullion granules
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium apple, peeled, cored and chopped
1/4 cup golden raisins

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until browned on all sides. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onion, jalapeño and garlic. Sauté until tender.
3. Return chicken to pot along with tomatoes, chicken base, salt, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add beans, apples and raisins. Stir well, cover and simmer for 10 more minutes, or until thoroughly heated.

Makes 6 servings.