The Chili Guide

The official rules for cooks at the Hope Hill annual Chili Cook-off are as follows:

1. Beans Welcome

Unlike professional Chili cook-offs, all chili entries are considered chili’s if considered chili by the submitter. This includes white chili’s, chicken chili’s, and other such entries. ‘Red’ chili’s are the preferred type, however any types are welcome. This INCLUDES entries using BEANS and PASTA as part of their ingredients.

2. No Mystery Meat

Any meats may be used, but any meats that are not ground hamburger or ground turkey must be identified on the name card for the chili.

3. Hot or Not?

All entries that can be considered ‘hot’ must be identified as such for the consuming public.

4. BYOG (Bring your own gear, utensils & condiments)

Contestants are responsible for supplying all of their own utensils and recipe specific condiments such as ‘special’ cheeses, cornbread, or other garnishes.

5. Bring Some To Share

If at all possible, please use a 4 quart or larger crock-pot. The intent of the cook off is fun, but also to provide a large portion of the food at the Hope Hill Fall Festival.

6. Delivery On Time – 10am

Crock pots should be delivered to Ashland Elementary/Hope Hill Sunday AM Location between 10:00 and 10:15 AM Sunday, October 26, 2014. Judging will begin at 10:15. Entries not in place will not be judged for the competition. Judging must be completed before the start of the event at 11:00, so delivery time is very important.

7. Do Your Best.

There will be prizes for first, second and third place overall, the hottest chili, and the most original chili.

8. What’s My Motivation (Judging Criteria)

Judges will be told that they should vote for the chili based on the following major considerations: good chili flavor, aftertaste, consistency, blend of spices, aroma and color.

9. Fill Out Your Card

Each contestant will be assigned a contestant’s number and given two 3×5 cards when they deliver their chili.

  • On one side of the card, please write your name, the name of the chili, identify if the chili is ‘hot’, ‘mild’, or ‘medium’, and any key ingredients that should be known, such as meat other than hamburger or turkey burger, or things like peanuts that could affect those with food allergies.
  • On the second card, please put the same information, but DO NOT put your name, instead, your contestant number will be placed on this card.. These will be used for judging and then will be replaced with the card with your name once the judging is complete.

10. Take Your “Toys” Home With You

Please ensure you pick up your materials at 2:00.