Always celebrated the 4th Thursday in February. It's hard to beat a steaming hot bowl of chili in the winter! U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson was a big chili lover! Johnson is quoted as saying "Chili concocted outside of Texas is usually a weak, apologetic imitation of the real thing. One of the first things I do when I get home to Texas is to have a bowl of red. There is simply nothing better." Pres. Johnson preferred chili made with venison over beef. His favorite recipe became known as Pedernales River Chili after the location of his Texas ranch.
Pedernales River Chili recipe from the LBJ Presidential Library (be sure and scroll down to see it)
From the Food Network: Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond's Chili Recipe