Thursday, February 23, 2012

National Chili Day






Today is National Chili Day. Traditional versions of this dish are usually made from chili peppers, onions, garlic, cumin, ground meat, beans and tomatoes. There is documentation of the earliest mention of chili as far back as 1519. In the 1880's, there were women known as "Chili Queens", they would operate out of downtown San Antonio They would set up, build fires and heat up their pre-made chili and sell it to the people walking by. It was said that the aroma would bring people in by the dozens. Later Mariachi bands would join in ...a Chili Fair of sorts. Around 1937, The San Antonio Health Department became more stringent with their health laws. The Chili Queens were shut down due to they couldn't adhere to the new health laws being implemented. Today, though the Bonham Exchange Building, which is located behind the Alamo houses the Official "Chili Queens Event". It is held the first Sunday of April. 

There are many variations of chili....traditional, vegetarian, chili verde or white chili...which is your favorite?

2 comments:

  1. I am a day late and a $ short for chili day. Oh well, I think I'make chili next week and pretend it is achili holiday.

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    1. As my husband would say,"Any day for chili is a day to celebrate." Thanks for the comment.

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