Origins of Chili

Texas lays claim as a "Birthplace of Chili". Many of the first "chili" recipes were actualy stews made by the chuck wagon cooks along a cattle drive or wagon train. Dried meat cubes or strips (usually beef) were added to pots of spices and peppers. Often seeds were planted and these ingredients were grown along the trail at regular stopping points. When fresh game, venison, antelope rabbit, etc was available it was subbstituted for the dried meats and I'm sure was welcomed. Chili stew and beans were a staple of this hard outdoor life due to the fact it could be prepared in camp using few fresh ingredients.

Fortunately today we can just go to the grocery and pick out a vast array of items to make our chili thousands of different ways.

Sharing the Love

I envision upcoming videos featuring all aspects of chili cooking, lore, recipes, accompaniments, pairings and beverages.  Please feel free to email and share your interests and recipes.  We hope to publish a new post every week on Friday. 

A Little About Myself

As one approaches retirement, one thinks they will have all the time in the world.  Not so!  I seem to be busier than ever but have wanted to create this blog and videos for awhile and no time like the present.  

I am a life long Cincinnati, Ohio area native with a very normal childhood and youth centering on sports and the usual teenage baggage.  I've been married to my high school sweetheart Jackie for 43 years and live in the small town of Lebanon, OH approximately 30 miles northeast of Cincinnati.  My brother Ross and I purchased a neighborhood tavern, Chicken on the Run, in Deer Park, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati in 1983.  Being owners we were involved in all aspects of the business.  This of course involved lots of cooking and Ross and I bragged we were the best "grill boys" in the city.  Learning how to cook in a commercial enviornment made me much more efficient and while I already considered myself a chili afficienado having won a small local chili cook-off.  After owning the bar for a few years, Deer Park had a 75th. Anniversary celebration with a chili cook-off.  I entered and won!  My recipe became the house chili at Chicken on the Run and remains so even though we are no longer involved in the business.

It’s Chili Time

I have had a 40 year love affair with Chili.  In this blog I wish to share my experiences, knowledge and passion for this truly American pastime.  Chili is not just a cold weather dish.  It is for anytime, family get togethers, holidays, sports gatherings and cook-off's!  I hope to dispel the belief that there is only ONE chili and that yours or mine is the best!  There are literally thousands of varieties from mild to hot, sweet to savory, beans or no beans or meaty to vegetarian.  Hopefully we can share many ideas and eat a lot of good chili along the way.

"Get Chili, Get Beer.

Eat Chili, Drink Beer."

                            --Dave Barry