Having all ingredients on hand except for the carrots and broccoli, I had to do a little improvising because I really wanted to make this! To make up for the lost carrots and broccoli, I added extra zucchini, some leftover green beans with bacon, and a cup of cooked, ditalini pasta. I elimimated the sugar (didn't see the reason for it) and added fresh minced garlic. I also added a glug of white wine and a dab of chicken base with the milk and broth and threw in some fresh, minced parsley at the end. Very quick and easy soup to make, tasty, and very satisfying. I eat out in restaurants a LOT, and sometimes a good, comfort food Grandma dish like this is what really hits the spot! Thanks, Rose, for sharing Grandma's recipe.

dee-LISH! Did not add pimento or celery, but kids, hubby and I loved this healthy soup. It's a keeper! Thanks for the post!

Warm and cozy! Leftover chicken and a cold Michigan spring evening. This recipe was just what I needed tonight! I left out the squash and pimento but did everything else just as directed. I agreed with the other reviewer that it needed more flavor (hence the 4stars) so I added 1 tsp each Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme and a Bay leaf. I love soup made from scratch with NO CREAM OF SOUP added. This one is healthy, colorful, and warm. The only thing I'd add if I wasn't feeding children is a bit of hot-pepper flakes. With all the additions it is 5star!

We LOVED this--kids and all! It IS very colorful. DO use the pimiento; it adds a great taste. However, less pepper? I have made this a few times now. It can be varied too! (The second time, I used clam juice for the chicken broth, substituted imitation crab for the ham and omitted the corn and cheese.) Made as directed, it is wonderful, and veggies can be omitted without great tragedy =). I use chicken bouillon instead of salt for more chicken flavor, and added a bit of cayenne. It tastes great with or without the cheese (Try colby!) ~A delightful recipe!~

I thought overall this was a very good base recipe. The texture and sweetness was very satisfying and went well together; I didn't add the pimentos, as I thought it may take away from the 'fresh' taste. One thing that this recipe was lacking...herbs/ seasoning. I put in approx. 1-2 tbs. Herbes de Provence...the thyme and sage really went well with the creamy/ cheesy corn chowder flavor.