Great Bowls of Chili!

 On October 15th the masses descended upon the Hand household for the 2nd annual Chili Cook Off!

Jackie Griffith was the winner from last year so she was strutting around showing off the winner's apron.

All TEN of the chili entries (double the amount from 2010) were lined up and ready for tasting.

We got smart this year and had smaller tasting cups so that the tasters wouldn't get too full from the first few tastes.

Also new for 2011, we had categories for the spiciest, the most original and the best overall recipe. I knew we were all in trouble when mom said she had "dynamite" in her freezer and she was ready to unleash it on the tasters.

As we waited for the sun to set and the heat of the day to break, everyone enjoyed chatting, listening to some Johnny Cash, playing games and painting pumpkins.  We also sampled the other treats brought by everyone. Jackie's caramel apple dip did not last long.

The tasting began at about 4:30 PM. There was a frenzy at the tasting tables and everyone was excited and ready to judge! A clear front runner for the spiciest chili was crock pot number 5.

After much fun and deliberation, the winners of the Hand Chili Cook Off 2011 were Susan Hand for the best overall recipe, Tony Scardina for the most original recipe and Irene Hand for the spiciest recipe.

It was a great time and I can't wait for next year!