Being vegan in Texas: the chili solution

This week's recipe comes from Texas, the heart of cattle country, where being vegan means running against the tide (or the herd?) Luckily John S. is there, changing the world one bowl of chili at a time. Here is his account:

Here is an authentic Texas chili recipe for your collection. It's not always easy to be vegan in Texas because so many of our specialties and our comfort foods are meat-intensive. Just the idea of having to give up barbecue and chili is enough to keep many Texans from taking the vegan option seriously. I think vegan "barbecue" is a lost cause, but chili is another matter. Chili Is serious business in Texas, and this is a recipe I would not hesitate to serve to my carnivorous friends. Hardly a week goes by that I don't have some myself, and we make sure there's enough in the freezer to get us through until the next time we can cook.

There are many competing legends as to the origins of chili, but what we can say with certainty is that chili was firmly entrenched in Texas culture no later than the middle of the 19th century. It started out as "poor folks'" food – one way to make poor quality meat palatable. From these humble origins, it became something that everyone ate, and as many of those poor folks grew up to be leaders of the state and even the nation, chili lost its stigma, although not its homey connotations. The city of San Antonio, in particular, and the German settlements surrounding it are particularly identified with chili culture, and it's worth a web search to read about San Antonio's Chili Queens and the annual Terlingua International Chili Championship.

Enjoy,
John S.

Here is his chili recipe, adapted from President Lyndon Johnson's favorite version:
Texas Heritage Vegan Chili

Betsy in California sent lots of good news this week, first an article on a food cooperative in Buffalo that reminded me of Will Allen's "Growing Power" project in Milwaukee:
http://buffalorising.com/2013/10/gro-operative-a-worker-owned-co-operati...

And then, news of an all-vegan supermarket chain, started in Germany, now in London, with plans to expand across Europe:
http://www.theallanimalvegan.com/2013/10/veganz-open-london

Finally, an article on PCRM's awards for schools with healthy school lunches:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/10/prweb11262323.htm

Thanks, John! Thanks, Betsy!

The next good news is that our Portland-area Fall Potluck is happening next week, Saturday, Nov. 9. Send me an email if you would like details.

Happy cooking,
Eve

P.S. I heard from a small company in Salem, Oregon, which is seeking a vegan "lead cook" for their Optimum Health cafe----they will help with relocation costs if you don't live there. Let me know if you would like more information.