Chili Cook-off

Our friends, Aaron and Stacy Peters, had their 4th annual chili cook-off on Saturday. This cook-off was born after we ended our annual participation in the Wagonmaster's Chili Cook-off downtown. After years of hard work, few prizes, and a lot of corporate politics, we retired Trippy Hippy Chili and the Peters' cook-off began. I enjoy their cook-off much more!

Rules are simple, arrive at the Peters home around 3:00 with prepared chili. Be original. Set-up includes display and other decor to encourage voting. Entry fee is a six-pack of beer to share with fellow chili-heads. Around 6:00, the bell is rung and tasting begins with everyone circling the tables, bowl and spoons in hand. In the garage is a board listing all chili participants, everyone votes just one time for their favorite. There are prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. This year's prizes included a set of boards for the game of washers, a cooler full of beer with a fine display of artwork captured on the lid, and a light-up board trophy (created by Brad).

There were 20 entries this year: Ayala's lowrider chii which contained Mexican rice and was better served with tortillas

There was Baby Back Rib Chili and Clark's Goulicious Chili:

My two favorites were the Black Scorpion Habanero Chili (sweet, curry flavor) and Dead Cow Chili (made with brisket):

Of course, there were bottles of antacids on the table which were shared following the tasting. Now the winner of the night was a tasty chili, just enough heat to waken the palate, but I couldn't get past the presentation which might have been a chick thing. But, Tampon Chili won first prize.

Also, every year a party picture is taken which is then used for next year's invitation. This year, couples were asked to pose for a wedding photo of reversal, the groom in the dress and the bride in the tux jacket. It was crazy. Single guys and gals were paired up for the photo opt, as well as girls and girls, guys and guys, whoever was game.

Local artist, Mike Potts, attended and took the time to create one of his fabulous pictures. It is amazing to watch him work on his spinning canvas. We sat and tried to guess who he was bringing to life in black and white. At an art auction in September, Piper bought his painting of Ray Charles.

The evening ended with everyone diving into the trough of beer created from all of the entries and dancing in the garage until the wee hours. Another successful chili cook-off minus the politics.

See picture gallery for the rest of the incriminating photos.