UYE: Everyone Loves Chili In December II

I came, I ate, my chili got the beat down (well, in the sense that 2^nd place is the first loser), but I left stuffed and all the wiser for my next cook off. Who knew pumpkin and chipotle went so well together? I’ll get you next time Julia S. and Danielle P.
Big thanks to Chad E. and his lovely wife Denise for opening their home and kitchen to the potent punch of chili powder smoldering in the air. Equal thanks to their dog Percy for guarding me during the Panthers game as I nearly slipped into a chili-​induced coma.
Always good to see the Unilocal crowd and catch up a bit. And where else will you see our CM Nicole literally lose her cookies all over the driveway? Fun times!

As the PBR-​meister Todd W. has already said, another year has passed, and so has another EL CiD. Attendance at the event this year was down slightly due to other commitments, but that just left more chili for everyone who did make it, since Julia S., the winner from last year, actually sent a pot via special courier (that would be Danielle P.), so those who were there had plenty for chili-​tasting goodness.
Unlike last year, which had a decidedly vegetarian leaning, this year saw a serious turn towards the meat-​lovers (not that there is anything wrong with that), and the absence of crafty Julia meant we had to rely on yours truly for prize making, so instead of all that awesomeness, there were only two prize categories: Best Chili and Hottest Chili. If you say it out loud, that does sound like an oxymoron.
The winners? In a much closer race than last year, Julia pulled out another victory in Best Chili with her pumpkin chipotle — though this could be the cause of a «must be present to win» rule for next year — and in the new Hottest Chili category, Danielle took the prize with her meat lovin’ concoction. Will H. was second in both categories with his Guiness Chipotle (as the only PBR was found on the counter and not in the chili, we may or may not be getting classier as the years go by).
A specially formed EL CiD competition committee will be meeting to consider the «must be present» rule for future events, so keep your eyes peeled. If you want to check out the trophies, take a gander at the photos to see Danielle as she tries to make off with both of them (actually she was supposed to deliver one to Julia — no word if it made it).
Thanks to everyone who came by, hope to see you again next year!

Giant pots of chili simmering in crock pots. A giant jug of tasty ginger ale, lemonade, orange juice concoction. The Panthers on in the background. Percy snuggling up to Will H. An all around excellent time at Chad & Denise’s!
Yes, EL CiD was back and with a spicy vengeance. I was lucky enough to get at least a spoonful of each chili and they were all delicious in their own way. This made judging very, very difficult. Congrats to Julia S for winning best overall and Danielle P for hottest.
Good times had by all! Next year I’ll try not to bite it on your driveway and actually arrive with a complete package of sugar cookies.

Another year, another Chili cook-​off! The 2^nd Annual cook-​off was a great success. The Best vs. The Hottest was a great idea and the award recipients well deserving. Thanks Chad & Denise for graciously hosting. My apologies for not having the «chili» portion of the BR Chili at the event; however, you now have the gift that keeps on governable in your home! If you need your driveway power-​washed due to my wife’s inability to carry sugar cookies, please let me know… ha! Great company, great food, and great hosts!