1967 Winner of International Chili Society in Terlingua, Texas. This is H. Allen Smith's recipe which actually tied for first place back at the first annual World Championship Chili Cook-Off in Terlingua, Texas with Wick Fowler's chili recipe. According to the ICS it was a shoot-out between Wick Fowler and H. Allen Smith. There were three judges; Hallie Stilwell, Floyd Schneider and Dave Witts. Hallie voted for H. Allen, Floyd voted for Wick. Dave Witts, the self- proclaimed mayor of Terlingua and third judge, spat out both samples and declared his taste buds were ruined! He called it a draw and declared a moratorium for one year.

1st Annual World's Championship Chili

4 pounds coarse-ground sirloin or tenderloin
Olive oil or butter
1 to 2 (6-ounces each) cans tomato paste, diluted with equal amounts of water or more depending on desired consistency
3 to 4 medium onions, chopped, about 3 cups
1 green bell pepper, chopped, about 3/4 cup
2 to 10 cloves of garlic, minced (or to taste)
3 tablespoons commercial chili powder, or more to taste
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried sweet basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a 4-quart pot, cook meat in a little olive oil or butter (or a blend of the two) until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 2 to 3 hours with the lid on.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of the International Chili Society.