How to Host a Chili Cook-Off

How_to_Host_a_Chili_CookOff_

Here’€™s a fun idea for fall: why not host a chili cook-off and compete with your closest pals/neighbours/family members for the title of master chili maker? It’€™s an easy and inexpensive way to spice up a weekend, and great encouragement for your favourite people to gather before the holiday season.
The experts at the International Chili Society (yes, really) have a laundry list of rules and regulations for official cook-offs that you can consult, if desired, but I prefer to keep things simple and fun. Here’€™s how to execute your own chili throw down to see who among your friends has the best red recipe:

Pre-Planning:

  • Invite guests at least two weeks in advance’€”they’€™ll need some time to research and plan their winning recipe.
  • Include the judging criteria and prize information in the invitation/email (i.e. if you have five entries or less, structure the competition so there is a 1st place winner and runner-up. If there are five or more chili recipes competing, award categories like Best Overall Chili, Best Vegetarian Chili, Spiciest Chili, etc.).
  • Encourage a variety of options by suggesting entries be meatless, spicy, white, or full of adventurous ingredients (like chocolate and beer!).
  • Ask guests to bring their chili in a slow cooker, warm and ready to serve.
  • Let your guests know what you, as host, will provide. Your own chili recipe plus drinks, cornbread, and toppings are good ideas.
  • Make a ballot for the judging of the chili and be sure each guest receives a ballot.

The Cook-Off:

  • Make tags for each chili and include the name as well as a rating for heat level.
  • Set up a long table with extension cords and power bars for the slow cookers.
  • Have enough cups/bowls for each person to try all of the chili recipes. Also, keep plenty of spoons on hand.
  • Set up the chili toppings bar, if you are providing one. Include items like shredded cheese, hot sauce, chopped onion, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños.
  • If possible, keep the cook of each chili secret so as not to throw the vote. Assign each slow cooker a number and ask guests to reference the number during the judging.

Judging:

  • Invite guests to taste each chili and ask them to write the number of their favourite chili on a slip of paper and then toss it into a basket. Votes are tallied and the chili with the most votes wins. The runner up is award to the chili with the second most votes.
  • Announce the maker of each chili and then announce the winner and award the prize(s).

Prizes:
In the spirit of friendly competition, these should be fun, inexpensive and creative. Here are some suggestions:

  • A basket of assorted fresh chili peppers, hot sauces, dried beans, spices, etc.
  • A tiara or crown made from fresh or plastic chilis
  • A string of chili pepper lights
  • A dozen beer
  • Handmade trophy to be passed around each year.
  • A chili cookbook

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