September 27, 2017
The Chili Cook-off Challenge November 10th at the Carriage Haus
By Alyssa Dominacki
Alternatives for the Older Adult
Business Development Coordinator
“Chili Con Carne,” aka Chili is a classic staple in today’s recipe book, whether it is being made for a Super Bowl party or just to enjoy on a cold winter’s night. It is the go-to comfort food for many people after a rough day.
The beauty of chili is that it can be made for everyone’s different taste palate; you can use a lot of peppers and spices or you can use very little peppers, while increasing the amount of meat. Where did the original recipe come from and what did it call for?
According to chili enthusiasts, chili originated from Sister Mary of Agreda, a Spanish nun in the early 1600s, who wrote down the first recipe for chili con carne: chili peppers, venison, onions, and tomatoes. She allegedly got the recipe during a return trip from an “out-of-body experience.”
Another belief was that chili originated in 1723, when Canary Islanders used local peppers and wild onions combined with meats to create early chili combinations.
Historians believe that chili originated in 1828 when J.C. Clopper provided the first written description of it. The description is as follows: “When they [poor families of San Antonio] have lay for their meat in the market, a very little is made to suffice for the family; it is generally cut into a kind of hash with nearly as many peppers as there are pieces of meat—this is all stewed together.”
Regardless of where and when chili did actually originate from, it is well-known and is well-loved around here. We have so many chili enthusiasts in our area that there are even competitions as to who makes the best tasting chili. These are called chili cook-offs.
Throughout the years, as enthusiasm for chili grew and so did the competition for who had the best recipe. Chili cook-offs started occurring both locally and nationally. It is believed the first one took place in Texas in the early 1950’s.
Alternatives would like to invite you to our Chili Cook-off (Potluck) on November 10, 2017 located at the Carriage Haus in Davenport, Iowa. It will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. with live entertainment, silent auction and fun for all ages! All proceeds will benefit Alternatives’ programs including: Care Coordination, Ombudsman (Nursing home advocacy), Adult Protective Services, Money Management, Caregiver Support, and Bridges Senior Community Program.
Do you think your chili recipe is better than the rest? Come prove it! Call to register today! (309) 277-0167.
