I would do a Chili War in a second, if only because it would give me an excuse to make it, without hearing "in THIS weather!??!"

Chili makes for a wonderful eat-up during the Dark Time, 'Vark. We had such a rousing success for the Great Burger War and BWII, maybe we should have a Chili War (unless we already did during this forum's rich rich history).

Doesn't it get cold at night in the Southwest? Desert conditions and all that? Eat that up at dark time to keep warm. There's a Blazing Saddles scene in my head right now....


THE
TOO CLOSE TO
THE FIRE
AARDVARK

Growing up, there was chili year-round in the Hamilton household.

Did I convince you, or would that have been your vote? If so, you're the only other person in the universe. Good man.

I would like to submit a vote of WARM WEATHER on this one.

So, to provide closure here (if anyone can figure out which posts are mine and which aren't, in this color scheme):

I've asked this, now, of dozens of people, and out of all the folks I have asked, exactly 100% have said "cold-weather". This is absolutely shocking to me, and shows that there is a major disconnect between me and the rest of the universe.

However, if I may be allowed to explain myself:

Chili is a food BORNE from the sweltering heat of the southwest. That's why it exists. Cowboys out on the range, under that unforgiving desert sun, putting meat and chiles in a pot, because that's what was available, and because, as we know from all the other hot-temperatue cultures that eat spicy food, the sweat provided a natural cooling effect.

I mean. It's chili. It's made from chiles. Which exist where it's hot. And was originally invented and eaten by people who lived where it was hot.

I just naturally associated it with hot weather, so in the dog days here in Tennessee, when I suggest CHILI as our evening meal, I'm met with unrelenting scorn, as if that was the most ridiculous thing I had ever said.

But I stand by it, even if nobody else does. Chili is wonderful at all times, but I'll always consider it a hot-weather dish. Thank you.

pinback wrote:In general, I mean.

In my case, it's in commander.

I'd never consider chili in the summer except as a topping on a 7-11 Big Bite.

In winter, it's wonderful, as Reo Speedwagon sang, "You're a candle in the window on a cold, dark, winter's night."

Chili goes down as a top comfort food, like macaroni and cheese, or meatloaf, or reheated fried chicken. I'd add ramen except I had to exclude it because of the high salt content of the flavor packets.

In general, I mean.