"Only a fool sets down precise, unalterable proportions for chili; a family has made chili for years and arrived at the concoction best suited to their tastes, the digestion of aging members and the teen-agers' sense of adventure, who is to say that is not the one perfect recipe for them!" H. Allen Smith

The boys from Texas flung disparaging comments and heaped scorn on the would be chili expert from the east. But Mr. H. Allen Smith had the hard bark of hickory and stood his ground and fired back, volley for volley. He declared that Texas chili is slop that would sicken a water buffalo and called Texas chili, "mud puddin', made with armadillo meat, chile peppers and rattlesnake urine." These and other casual remarks by Smith offended and even enraged a lot of Texans and newspapers from all over the state began to agonize and editorialize in defense of Texas chili and not to mention their bruised egos.

Wick Fowler, the owner and proprietor of the Caliente Chili Factory, maker of his "Two Alarm Chili", was a kindly soul and he preferred to take the high ground avoiding the mudslinging and the insults. He sent a care package to Smith with a case of his Two Alarm Chili Mix and a small book written by a Texan named Joe E. Cooper, titled With or Without Beans. This act of Christian kindness was well received by Smith and he and Fowler declared a truce and became friends of sorts.

This was to have little effect on the Texans or the great Chili Appreciation Society International, of Dallas. The Great Chili Confrontation has begun and would not end until the last man standing could raise his wooden spoon in victory.

Wick Fowler's 2 - Alarm Chili
• 2 pounds diced beef
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1 package Wick Fowler's 2 - Alarm Chili Mix* (Stocked at some Walmarts)
1. in a chili pot, cook beef in oil until no longer pink. Drain off fat. Add tomato sauce, water and chili seasonings, then cover and simmer 1 hour and 15 minutes.
2. Skim off excess fat and stir in a paste made with masa harina and a little water. Simmer an additional 15 to 20 minutes to thicken and enhance flavor.

makes 4 servings

* If unavailable, substitute 3 Tbs. New Mexico chile powder, 1 table spoon paprika, 1 Tbs. dried oregano, 1tsp. ground cumin, 1 tsp. dehydrated garlic, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp cayenne, plus 1 Tbs. masa harina to thicken in final 15 minutes of cooking.

Or, order it on line from Luzianne Authentic Southern Foods and Beverages
http://www.luzianne.com/wick-fowler-m-121.html
And while you're there, order some of the best Dark Roast Coffee with Chicory available anywhere. French Market, CDM, and my favorite, RT coffee.