The History of Chili
1617 - 1618
An old Southwestern American Indian legend claims that the very first recipe for chili con carne was created in the 17th century by a beautiful nun named Sister Mary of Agreda of Spain. This mysterious nun was known to the Indians of the Southwest United States as "La Dama de Azul," the lady in blue. It was said that Sister Mary would go into a trance and remain totally lifeless for a day. On one occasion when Sister Mary woke from her trances, she said her spirits and angels had given her the recipe for chili; this recipe included venison, spices, and of course chilies.
Though Sister Mary never physically left Spain, she was believed to be the famous ghost called”La Dama de Azul” (Lady in Blue) that had been mentioned in many Indian legends of the American Southwest. Many including King Philip IV of Spain witnessed her image and believed that she appeared as a ghostly apparition while in her trance-like-state.
Early 19th century
Spanish priests were said to have warned against the evils produced by the consumption of chili peppers. It was said that the aphrodisiac affects were the work of the devil and the fiery hot chilis were likened to hell, fire and brimstone. Chili was called by these priests “The Soup of the Devil.” Many believe that it was the priest’s warnings that contributed to the astounding popularity of chili.
How ironic that one story invokes the images of angels, spirits, and a beautiful nun to create the first chili recipe while another story tells of priests using the devil to scare people from this savory dish we have all come to know and love.
Now
At the age of 7 John Kovin, or Johnny, as he likes to be called, became obsessed with cooking. While most kids were out playing, Johnny would stay in and read cook books, watch Julia Child, The Galloping Gourmet, and try new recipes on his family. Johnny's dream was to create new and amazing recipes of his own so he could leave his mark on the world and nothing gave him more joy than seeing someone's face light up when they tasted something he created.
Johnny came from a long line of great chefs including his mother and grandmother. Even though his mother's chili was considered legendary, Johnny wanted to explore other possibilities (such as removing the celery and beans from his mother's chili) and began experimenting with chilis of his own. So, one day he decided to try his hand in making a chili based on traditional recipes he had learned from a Latin housekeeper. Johnny decided to grind up his own spices and made everything from scratch the way it was originally made. His first chili was loved by his family so the next day he tried a green chili with tomatillos and it was equally well received by his family which spurred him on to make yet another and another. After a week of making chilis his father told him, "We should open up a restaurant for you and call it 'Just Chili'."
Johnny was very close to his family which has been in the business of designing and selling jewelry for over 100 years. So, Johnny gave up his cooking dreams to stay in the family business. But, he never gave up cooking and exploring new recipes. After his sister took over the family jewelry business Johnny was once again free to pursue his other ambitions. In 2008 Johnny met Rick Foster and, after tasting Johnny's chili, Rick encouraged him to start Chili Addiction and share his culinary gifts with the world. Today Chili Addiction is proud to serve over 47 chili's. In fact, at last count, Johnny was up to 66, and, most likely, Johnny is lost in thought right now conjuring up number 67.
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