A Chili Cook’s Prayer to bless this mess…
Lord, God, you know us old cowhands is forgetful. Sometimes, I can't even recollect what happened yesterday. We is forgetful. We just know daylight from dark, summer, fall, winter, and spring. But I sure hope we don't never forget to thank you before we eat a mess of good chili.
We don't know why, in your wisdom, you been so doggone good to us. The heathen Chinese don't have no chili, never. The Frenchmen is left out. The Russians don't know no more about chili than a hog knows about a sidesaddle. Even the Mexicans don't get a good whiff of chili unless they live around here.
Chili-eaters is some of your chosen people, Lord. We don't know why you're so doggone good to us. But, Lord God, don't never think we ain't grateful for this chili we are about to eat. Amen.
Bones Hook, chuckwagon cook
Summer Chili Barbacoa, serves 6-8
Hot-n-Sweet Mango Salsa, serves 4-8
Camarones en Salsa Ranchero, (Prawns in Ranch-style Sauce), serves 2-3
