Calling All Chili-Lovers: Wick Fowler Brand Introduces the Authentic, Texas One-Step Chili Seasoning Mix.

TERLINGUA, Texas -- The Wick Fowler brand, makers of the Two-Alarm and False Alarm Chili Kits, will launch its newest product of authentic Texas-style chili, the Texas One-Step Chili Seasoning Mix at the annual Original Terlingua International Frank X. Tolbert-Wick Fowler Memorial Championship Chili Cook-Off in Terlingua, Texas on Saturday, November 3.

"Texas One-Step Chili Seasoning Mix is perfect for families on-the-go," said Tom Nall, the official Wick Fowler spokesperson. "The Chili Cook-Off is the ideal place to introduce this new product surrounded by chili-lovers from across the nation in remembrance of our namesake, Wick Fowler."

The new Texas One-Step Chili Seasoning Mix is the same exact recipe as the Two-Alarm chili kit; the only difference is now the spices come mixed together in one convenient packet. All you need to add is one pound of ground beef, and 8oz of tomato sauce. For those who prefer to personalize their chili is the famous Wick Fowler's famous Two-Alarm Chili[R] Kit, which consists of seven individual packets of spices including: chili, onion, salt, cumin, garlic and oregano allowing the cook to season his/her chili to taste. Other products carrying the Wick Fowler name include the highly sought-after False Alarm[R] Chili Kits and his Taco Seasoning Mix.

Before gaining national attention for his chili, Wick Fowler served his country as a war correspondent for the Dallas Morning News. During his correspondence on the war in Vietnam, Fowler earned the nickname "Chili Cong" for giving away packets of his renowned chili spices to the troops. In 1967, Wick Fowler defended the honor of Texas-style chili at the first championship chili cook-off in Terlingua, Texas using the same recipe that goes into his Two-Alarm Chili Kit.

Wick Fowler assembled his first chili kits as gifts for friends. The original chili kits, assembled by a team of women, were wrapped up in cellophane and sealed with a clothes iron. Eventually, the demand for his secret chili spices grew so large, Wick Fowler launched Caliente Chili Co. to officially package and sell his product.

Wick Fowler died in 1972, but the Caliente Chili Co. continued to grow and prosper under the management of family members before Reily Foods Company acquired it in 1991. Today, Wick Fowler's chili kits are sold in stores across the nation, and are known as the authentic Texas-style chili.

The Wick Fowler Texas One-Step Seasoning Mix will be sold at the following retailers in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, West Tennessee, and Louisiana: Wal-Mart, Albertson's, Win Dixie, Food Town, Randall's, Brookshire, HEB, Food-O-Rama, Tom Thumb, Brookshire Brothers, Fiesta Mart and Food Giant.

The 41st Annual Original Terlingua International Frank X. Tolbert-Wick Fowler Memorial Championship Chili Cook-Off and surrounding festivities will begin November 1 in Terlingua, Texas. Contestants from across the country that have been competing in local chili cook-offs in their area will meet in Terlingua to showcase their winning recipe. The chili champion will be announced on Saturday, November 3, 2007. A portion of the entry fees will benefit the South Texas Chapter of ALS. Terlingua Live, the 40th Annual Terlingua commemoration CD which features Texas artists, can be purchased on www.abowlofred.com with proceeds benefiting the South Texas Chapter of ALS.

For more information on Wick Fowler's line of chili kits and seasoning mixes, please visit www.wickfowler.com. For more information on the Original Terlingua International Frank X. Tolbert-Wick Fowler Memorial Championship Chili Cook-Off, please visit www.abowlofred.com.